A nurse educator is shadowing a student nurse caring for a psychiatric client. The nurse educator should instruct the student that a therapeutic nurse-client relationship starts with:
A nurse educator is shadowing a student nurse caring for a psychiatric client. The nurse educator should instruct the student that a therapeutic nurse-client relationship starts with:
A. A sincere desire to help others
[12%]
B. Acceptance
[13%]
C. Understanding and self-awareness
[70%]
D. Knowledge of psychiatric nursing
[5%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Mental Health
Lesson
Mental Health
Client Need
Test Plan
Psychosocial Integrity
Related Topic
Therapeutic Communication
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice C is correct. The foundation for a robust nurse-client relationship must begin with the student's thorough understanding and self-awareness of their own beliefs, biases, feelings, values, etc.
Choice A is incorrect. Although a desire to help others is a desirable trait in an individual seeking to create a therapeutic nurse-client relationship, these types of relationships are not formed on one's desire to help others alone.
Choice B is incorrect. Although acceptance is a desirable trait in an individual seeking to create a therapeutic nurse-client relationship, these types of relationships are not formed solely on one's ability to accept others.
Choice D is incorrect. Although knowledge of psychiatric nursing is a desirable trait for individuals seeking to create a therapeutic nurse-client relationship, these types of relationships cannot be formed solely because the student possesses knowledge of psychiatric nursing. Regardless of the amount of knowledge of psychiatric nursing possessed, one must have a thorough understanding and self-awareness of their own beliefs, biases, feelings, values, etc., in order to form the proper foundation for a nurse-client relationship.
Learning Objective
Recognize that a therapeutic nurse-client relationship starts with understanding and self-awareness.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Therapeutic communication
13.3 Therapeutic Communication & Environment
Additional Info
- One must maintain self-awareness to prevent unrecognized beliefs, biases, feelings, values, etc. from affecting client care.
- Although acceptance is a vital aspect of the nurse-client relationship, acceptance of others requires understanding and acceptance of self first.
- Self-awareness must be continually maintained, as our beliefs, biases, feelings, values, etc., fluctuate over time.
