A nursing student will soon begin her clinical rotation at a psychiatric–mental health facility and she is apprehensive about interacting with clients suffering from mental illness

Question

Which of the following statements should the student use as a guide when interacting with mental health clients?
A) People are often more able to cope effectively with psychiatric illnesses compared to physical illnesses.
B) Clients will be more open if you promise not to share information with other members of the treatment team.
C) Establishing a friendship with a client after your clinical experience can help the client cope with society.
D) Approaching a client with openness and enthusiasm is exactly what most clients need.

Answer 1

Ans: D
Feedback:
Your energy, enthusiasm, and openness to learning and exploring issues are exactly what most clients need and are refreshing to other staff members. Unlike with physical illness, the person with a psychiatric illness also must cope with the burden of other people's attitudes toward him or her. Nurses must never promise clients that they will not reveal such information. Personal relationships with clients are never appropriate or wise.