The NP provides care to a patient diagnosed with obesity and empowers the patient to lose weight through exercise and improved nutrition. Which term best describes the NP's role in this scenario?

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The main idea is guiding behavior change through partnership and accountability. In this scenario, the NP helps the patient build skills, set realistic weight-management goals, and stay motivated as they adopt exercise and nutrition changes. That collaborative, action-focused support is the essence of being a coach.

A coach works with the patient to create practical plans, monitor progress, and address barriers, offering feedback and encouragement while the patient takes the lead in decision-making. This differs from a teacher, who primarily imparts knowledge; a mentor, who provides long-term guidance based on experience; and a guide, who helps navigate options without necessarily focusing on ongoing behavior change and accountability. In obesity care, coaching aligns with helping patients develop self-efficacy and sustainable habits, making it the best fit for this NP role.