A nurse is caring for a client who has a chronic illness. In which phase of the therapeutic relationship should
the nurse help the client develop problem-solving skills?
A.
Preinteraction phase
B.
Working phase
C.
Orientation phase
D.
Termination phase
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Working phase.
Explanation:
The therapeutic relationship between a nurse and a client is fundamental to effective care and involves several phases: preinteraction, orientation, working, and termination. Each phase has distinct objectives and actions, and understanding these helps ensure that the nurse provides appropriate support throughout the client’s care journey.
1. Preinteraction Phase:
This phase occurs before the nurse meets the client. It involves preparation, such as reviewing the client’s medical records, understanding their background, and setting goals for the initial meeting. Although this phase is crucial for establishing a foundation for the relationship, problem-solving skills are not the primary focus at this stage.
2. Orientation Phase:
During the orientation phase, the nurse and client establish a rapport, clarify their roles, and set mutual goals. This phase is about building trust and understanding the client’s needs and concerns. It lays the groundwork for collaboration but does not primarily focus on developing problem-solving skills.
3. Working Phase:
The working phase is where the therapeutic relationship is most active. It is characterized by the nurse and client working together to address the client’s problems. This phase is where problem-solving skills become critical. The nurse helps the client identify problems, set goals, and develop strategies for managing or resolving issues. Through this collaborative effort, clients learn to apply problem-solving techniques to their chronic illness, enhancing their ability to manage their condition effectively. This phase involves the use of therapeutic communication, active listening, and providing feedback, all aimed at empowering the client and promoting self-efficacy.
4. Termination Phase:
The termination phase occurs when the goals of the therapeutic relationship have been met, or when the nurse-client relationship is ending for other reasons (e.g., discharge, transition to another care provider). This phase involves summarizing progress, discussing the future, and ensuring the client is prepared for ongoing management. The focus is on reviewing what has been achieved and preparing the client for continued self-management rather than actively developing new problem-solving skills.
In summary, problem-solving skills are developed and refined during the working phase of the therapeutic relationship. This phase is where active collaboration between the nurse and client helps address specific challenges and goals, fostering the client’s ability to manage their chronic illness effectively.