A 16-year-old patient in an outpatient setting with a body mass index of 35 tells the nurse, "I am going to lose weight by eliminating all fat from my diet." Which action should the nurse take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eliminating all fat from a diet is not a healthy approach to weight loss, as fats play a crucial role in metabolism, including the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and providing essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce on its own. The nurse should first educate the patient about the importance of fats in a balanced diet before considering other steps.

A 16-Year-Old Patient in an Outpatient Setting with a Body