A novice nurse is beginning work on a behavioral health unit and states to the preceptor, "What if I encounter a client that is sexually aggressive? Which is the appropriate response by the preceptor?

The transition from a group home to an evolving consumer household typically involves promoting independence and empowering the client to become more self-sufficient. The ultimate goal is to enable the client to fulfill their daily responsibilities without the need for constant supervision or assistance.

The others are incorrect:

While meeting with a therapist on a weekly basis may be part of the client's overall mental health support, it is not the specific goal of transitioning to an evolving consumer household.

Using the increased emotional support of paid staff may be a temporary measure during the transition period, but the long-term goal is for the client to become self-reliant and less dependent on constant emotional support.

Resolving crises within a shorter time period is a desirable outcome for any mental health support system, but it does not directly relate to the specific goal of fulfilling daily responsibilities without supervision.

When encountering a client who is sexually aggressive, it is important for the nurse to establish firm limits and boundaries to ensure the safety and well-being of both the client and the healthcare team. This response promotes the maintenance of a therapeutic environment and helps prevent potential harm to the client, staff, and other patients.

the other choices are incorrect:

1. "Tell the client that you are going to report to the director of the unit." While it is important to report any concerning behaviors or incidents to the appropriate personnel, simply informing the client about reporting to the director may not be the most effective initial response. Prioritizing immediate actions to ensure safety and setting boundaries is crucial before involving higher-level staff.

2. "Walk away and have someone else take care of the client." Leaving the situation and passing the responsibility to someone else without addressing the issue directly is not an appropriate response. It is the nurse's responsibility to provide care and manage challenging situations within their scope of practice and training. Collaboration and support from the healthcare team may be sought, but abandoning the client is not an acceptable approach.

3. "It happens frequently, so just ignore it; they will stop." Ignoring sexually aggressive behavior is not an appropriate response. Such behavior should be taken seriously and addressed promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Ignoring the behavior may enable its continuation and potentially lead to further harm or escalation of the situation.