The nurse suspects a client is unwilling to demonstrate self-sufficiency or independence in the therapeutic relationship when the client says, "You are the only person I can talk to or trust

Question

Let's go out to dinner tonight so we can spend more time together." Which one of the following nurse responses is most appropriate in this situation? 1. "I sense we are beginning to make real progress; I think that's a great idea."
2. "Maybe some other time, but right now I'm involved in a significant relationship and don't feel right about meeting you for dinner."
3. "I sense you've become too dependent on this relationship; let's examine your feelings toward me."
4. "You've become too dependent on me, so I will have to terminate our relationship."

Answer 1

3
Rationale: Examining a client's feelings toward the nurse brings the inappropriate behavior to the attention of the client and is an appropriate way to deal with this acting-out behavior. Although increasing the frequency of contacts in the professional setting is appropriate, agreeing to meet the client socially is inappropriate and could encourage further dependency. Terminating the relationship is unnecessary unless repeated dangerous acting-out behavior occurs. Suggesting that the nurse would meet the client socially if not for involvement in a significant relationship may encourage further dependency and foster the client's mistaken expectation that a relationship might be possible in the future.