The nurse is seeking supervision regarding the use of self-disclosure with a client who has anxiety. Which response by the nurse most accurately reflects an understanding of the therapeutic use of self-disclosure?

Question

1. "There are really few circumstances in which it is appropriate for nurses to use self-disclosure with clients."
2. "Nurses who disclose personal information must first undergo psychotherapy to prevent over-disclosure."
3. "I can use self-disclosure with any client as long as it doesn't take the focus away from the client."
4. "I will first ask myself whether what I am going to disclose meets the client's needs or just my own needs."

Answer 1

4
Rationale: Asking oneself whether the goal of the self-disclosure is to meet the client's need or the nurse's need demonstrates that the nurse realizes it is important to determine the purpose and goal for the self-disclosure before sharing personal information with the client. Although the wisdom of self-disclosure has been the subject of much debate, there are studies that support the judicious use of self-disclosure. Before using self-disclosure with a client, the nurse must consider not only if it will take the focus away from the client, but also the context of the therapeutic relationship and give attention to the timing, appropriateness, and degree. Seeking supervision when using self-disclosure is appropriate for any nurse; however, one does not need to have undergone personal psychotherapy to understand the judicious use of self-disclosure.