A nurse is building a therapeutic relationship with a newly admitted client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take during the orientation phase of the relationship?
A.
Determine previous coping skills used by the client.
B.
Facilitate the client’s problem-solving skillls
C.
Assist the client in expressing alternative behaviours.
D.
Establish the responsibilities of the nurse and client
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Establish the responsibilities of the nurse and client.
Explanation:
The orientation phase of a therapeutic relationship is crucial as it sets the foundation for future interactions between the nurse and the client. During this phase, the primary goal is to establish trust and clarify the roles and responsibilities of both parties involved. This process involves several key actions:
- Setting Boundaries: Establishing clear responsibilities helps to define the scope of the relationship. It is essential for the client to understand what they can expect from the nurse and what is expected of them in return. This clarity helps to create a safe environment where the client feels comfortable to express themselves.
- Building Trust: By openly discussing the roles, the nurse demonstrates professionalism and accountability. This openness fosters trust, as the client can see that the nurse is committed to supporting them throughout their care journey.
- Encouraging Participation: Establishing responsibilities also encourages client involvement in their own care. It empowers them to take an active role, which can enhance their sense of control and investment in the therapeutic process.
- Clarifying Objectives: During the orientation phase, it is also essential for the nurse to articulate the goals of the relationship, including how they plan to help the client achieve their health objectives. This mutual understanding aligns both parties toward a common purpose.
- Creating a Supportive Atmosphere: When responsibilities are clearly defined, it minimizes confusion and anxiety, allowing the client to focus on their healing and growth.
In contrast, the other options—such as determining previous coping skills (A), facilitating problem-solving (B), and assisting in expressing alternative behaviors (C)—are typically actions that take place in later phases of the therapeutic relationship, such as the working phase, after trust has been established. Therefore, while all these actions are important, establishing responsibilities is foundational and essential in the orientation phase.