Should a client with bulimia be allowed to keep a daily dietary diary in the hospital?

• A. Yes, to track amount and type of food eaten
• B. No, diaries are not allowed
• C. Only with physician's approval
• D. Only for the first 24 hours

Answer: (A)

Self-monitoring of intake is a key therapeutic strategy for bulimia. A daily dietary diary in the hospital helps track the amount and type of food eaten, along with timing and urges, so the care team can identify binge patterns, purging episodes, and triggers. This objective record supports treatment planning, meal planning, and early intervention when at‑risk patterns emerge. It also promotes accountability and patient engagement in recovery, provided it is used in a supportive, nonjudgmental way and reviewed with the clinician to adjust care as needed. Diaries are not inherently prohibited, do not require physician-only approval, and there is no clinical reason to limit them to the first 24 hours; ongoing self-monitoring is valuable throughout hospitalization.