A nurse is discussing strategies to develop nurse-client therapeutic relationships with a newly licensed nurse. Which statement by the nurse accurately describes strategies for building a therapeutic relationship?
A.
Asking questions easily answered with one-word responses is important with mental health clients.
B.
Invite the client’s family to atend all group therapies with the client.
C.
Listen atentively to a client and summarize the comments.
D.
Avoid asking direct questions regarding suicidal behaviors or thoughts.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
C. Listen attentively to a client and summarize the comments.
Explanation:
Building a therapeutic relationship between a nurse and a client is a fundamental aspect of nursing practice, especially in mental health settings. A therapeutic relationship is characterized by trust, respect, and collaboration, which facilitate the client’s healing and well-being. The correct strategy involves active listening, empathetic communication, and clear summarization, all of which are essential in fostering a strong nurse-client bond.
Active Listening and Summarization (Option C):
Listening attentively to a client and summarizing their comments are critical strategies in therapeutic communication. Active listening involves fully focusing, understanding, responding, and remembering what the client says. When a nurse listens attentively, it demonstrates to the client that their thoughts and feelings are valued. Summarization helps in clarifying the client’s thoughts, validating their experiences, and ensuring that the nurse accurately understands the client’s concerns. This approach not only builds trust but also encourages clients to share more openly, which is vital for effective treatment planning and care.
Incorrect Options:
Option A (Asking questions easily answered with one-word responses):
This approach is counterproductive in therapeutic communication. Questions that elicit one-word responses, such as “yes” or “no,” do not encourage the client to explore or express their feelings and thoughts. Instead, open-ended questions are more effective as they allow clients to share their experiences, providing the nurse with valuable insights into the client’s condition.
Option B (Inviting the client’s family to attend all group therapies):
While family involvement can be beneficial in some cases, it is not appropriate to invite them to all group therapies. Group therapy sessions are designed to provide clients with a safe space to express themselves among peers. The presence of family members might inhibit clients from sharing openly, thus hindering the therapeutic process. Each client’s needs and comfort level should be assessed individually before involving family members in therapy.
Option D (Avoiding direct questions regarding suicidal behaviors or thoughts):
This approach is incorrect and dangerous. It is essential for nurses to ask direct and clear questions about suicidal thoughts or behaviors when necessary. Avoiding these questions can lead to missed opportunities for intervention and support, potentially endangering the client’s life. Clients at risk of suicide require careful and compassionate assessment, and direct questioning is a key part of this process.
In conclusion, the most effective strategy for building a therapeutic relationship is to listen attentively and summarize the client’s comments, as this approach fosters trust, encourages open communication, and ensures that the client feels understood and respected.