Question

An angry client on an inpatient unit approaches the nurse stating, "Someone went into my room and touched my stuff! People need to respect my space and you need to do something about this now!" The nurse's response should be guided by which basic assumption of milieu therapy?

1. Conflict should be resolved by the nursing staff.
2. Conflict resolution should be addressed during unit meetings.
3. Every interaction is an opportunity for therapeutic intervention.
4. It is most likely the housekeeping staff moved belonging while cleaning.

Answer 1

A nurse should respond to an upset client by viewing the interaction as a chance for therapeutic intervention, actively listening, and working with the client to address their concerns.

Step-by-step explanation:

When responding to an angry client who is upset about their personal space being violated, the nurse's response should be guided by the basic assumption of milieu therapy that every interaction is an opportunity for therapeutic intervention. This approach emphasizes the importance of using client interactions to promote recovery and resolve conflicts. It suggests that the nurse should listen to the client's concerns, validate their feelings, and work with them to address the issue, thereby turning a potentially negative situation into a constructive therapeutic moment.

Studies have shown that caregiver behavior, including conflict resolution, can be negatively impacted by factors such as low job satisfaction, feeling burnt out, and a lack of support or training, leading to verbal aggression. Organizations and caregivers can benefit from strategies focusing on therapeutic interventions, addressing relational needs, and engaging in conflict resolution, all aimed at both supporting the client and strengthening caregiver resilience.