Question

A client frequently admitted to the locked psychiatric unit repeatedly compliments and then invites one of the nurses to go out on a date. The nurse should take which of these approaches?

A. Ask to not be assigned to this client or request to work on another unit
B. Discuss the boundaries of a therapeutic relationship with the client
C. Tell the client that such behavior is inappropriate and unethical
D. Inform the client that the hospital policy prohibits staff to date clients

Answer 1

A nurse should discuss the importance of maintaining professional boundaries in a therapeutic relationship with a client who repeatedly invites them on dates.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client frequently admitted to a locked psychiatric unit repeatedly compliments a nurse and extends an invitation to go out on a date, the most professional and ethical approach for the nurse would be to discuss the boundaries of a therapeutic relationship with the client. This involves clearly communicating the professional nature of their interactions and the importance of maintaining those boundaries for the wellbeing of both the client and the nurse. Redirecting the conversation to focus on the client's care and reinforcing the therapeutic goals can help to establish a clear professional boundary.