Therapeutic Nurse-Client Relationship Flashcards

A client tells the nurse: 'I feel so ashamed. I cannot even manage my own diabetes.' Which therapeutic response is most appropriate?

Answer: 'You sound really frustrated with managing your diabetes. Can you tell me more about what has been most challenging?'

Reflecting the client's emotion and using an open question invites them to share more while validating their experience, which is therapeutic active listening.

Which situation represents a boundary violation in the nurse-client therapeutic relationship?

Answer: Accepting a bottle of wine from a client as thanks for excellent care

Accepting gifts of significant value from clients crosses professional boundaries by creating an inappropriate obligation and blurring the professional relationship.

During the termination phase, which client response indicates the relationship is ending therapeutically?

Answer: The client expresses realistic summary of progress and demonstrates coping strategies for ongoing needs

Realistic review of progress and independent coping strategies indicate healthy therapeutic termination. The client has internalized gains from the relationship.

A client says to the practical nurse: 'You are the only one who really understands me. None of the other nurses care about me.' What is the best therapeutic response?

Answer: 'Our relationship is important, and I am glad I can help. I also wonder if we can help you connect with other members of the care team.'

Acknowledging the relationship while exploring broader connections prevents unhealthy over-dependence and maintains professional boundary integrity.

A client speaks Tagalog as their first language. The client's adult son offers to interpret. Which concern should guide the practical nurse's decision?

Answer: Family interpreters may omit, alter, or filter information and cannot maintain client confidentiality

Family interpreters may filter information, distort translations based on their own emotions, or compromise the client's privacy and autonomy.

Which statement best describes 'unconditional positive regard' as applied to therapeutic nurse-client relationships?

Answer: The nurse accepts the client as a person of worth regardless of their behaviors or values

Unconditional positive regard means accepting the client as a person of inherent worth and dignity, separate from their behaviors, values, or decisions, without conditions or judgment.