What is a significant factor that a social worker should prioritize when working with a teenager facing an eating disorder?

When working with a teenager facing an eating disorder, prioritizing consistent medical evaluations is crucial for several reasons. Eating disorders can have severe physical consequences, which may include malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, and other health complications that require regular monitoring and intervention by medical professionals. By ensuring consistent medical evaluations, the social worker can facilitate necessary medical care and track the adolescent's health progress, adjusting treatment plans as needed based on the medical assessments.

This focus on health checks is essential to prevent further deterioration of the teen's physical condition and to provide a comprehensive approach to treatment. Regular evaluations also allow for early detection of any emerging complications, which can be critical for effective intervention. Overall, consistent medical evaluations serve as a foundational aspect of managing the complex interplay between physical and psychological health in teenagers with eating disorders.