A nurse in a mental health facility is interviewing a newly admitted client who is related to the nurse's neighbor. The nurse should identify that which of the following must occur when establishing a therapeutic nurse-client relationship?

A. The nurse maintains confidentiality unless the client's safety is compromised:
Explanation: Maintaining confidentiality is a fundamental principle in nursing practice. Nurses are ethically and legally obligated to keep client information confidential, ensuring that the client's privacy is respected. Confidentiality builds trust between the nurse and the client, encouraging open communication. However, confidentiality can be breached if the client's safety is at risk, such as if they express suicidal or homicidal thoughts, indicating the need for intervention to ensure their well-being.

B. The nurse seeks to spend extra time specifically with the client each day:
Explanation: While it's important for nurses to spend adequate time with each client, seeking to spend extra time specifically with one client may create imbalances in care distribution. Nurses should strive to provide equitable care to all clients, addressing their needs based on assessments and care plans. Special attention to one client could lead to feelings of favoritism or neglect among other clients, affecting the therapeutic environment.

C. The client sees the nurse as an authority figure:
Explanation: Clients often view nurses as authority figures due to their expertise and role in healthcare. This perception can facilitate a therapeutic relationship, as clients may trust the nurse's guidance and care. However, this should be balanced with empathy and understanding to create a supportive and therapeutic environment.

D. The client regards the nurse as a friend:
Explanation: While a therapeutic nurse-client relationship aims for trust and rapport, it is not a friendship. The nurse maintains professional boundaries to provide objective care without personal bias. Friendship implies a level of personal involvement that can compromise the nurse's ability to make objective clinical decisions. A therapeutic relationship is built on trust, respect, empathy, and clear professional boundaries.

A. Recommend that the client participate in more solitary activities.
This option is not suitable because encouraging solitary activities may lead to further isolation, which can worsen the client's depressive feelings. Social support and connection are often crucial during the grieving process.

B. Explain to the client that the duration of grief is highly variable and can last for years.
This is the correct choice. Grief is a complex and individual process, and there is no specific timeline for how long it should last. Some people may continue to experience feelings of sadness and loss for an extended period after the death of a loved one. Validating the client's emotions and letting them know that their experience is within the range of normal can be comforting.

C. Encourage the client to avoid discussing the events surrounding the sibling's death.
This option is not recommended. Encouraging the client to avoid discussing their feelings can hinder the healing process. Open communication about the loss can help the client process their emotions and find ways to cope.

D. Caution the client against feeling angry at the sibling.
This option is not appropriate. Allowing the client to express their feelings, including anger, is a healthy part of the grieving process. Suppressing emotions, including anger, can lead to complications in the grieving process. It is essential to acknowledge and validate all the client's emotions.