Question

An angry client on an inpatient unit approaches the nurse stating, "Someone took my lunch! People need to respect other, 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 should be avoided at all costs on inpatient psychiatric units.
3. Every interaction is an opportunity for therapeutic intervention.
4. Conflict resolution should be addressed only during group therapy.

Answer 1

A nurse should utilize every interaction as an opportunity for therapeutic intervention when addressing a patient's concerns about a conflict, such as someone taking their lunch.

Step-by-step explanation:

In response to the question, the nurse's response should be guided by the basic assumption of milieu therapy that every interaction is an opportunity for therapeutic intervention. This is crucial in a healthcare environment, where dealing with conflicts promptly and effectively is key to maintaining a therapeutic milieu and ensuring that patient's needs are addressed. Handling the situation with a frustrated client also provides an opportunity to explore the client’s feelings, identify potential triggering factors, and work on strategies to manage similar situations in the future, reflecting the therapeutic potential of addressing such conflicts.