A nurse in an acute care mental health unit is speaking with a client who reports that other clients leave trash in the lounge. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Answer: (D) Encourage the client to discuss the problem with other clients

Rationale:

A) Call housekeeping to clean up the lounge: While involving housekeeping might address the immediate issue, it does not empower the client or involve them in the community aspect of the unit. The goal in a mental health setting is to encourage clients to take an active role in resolving communal issues, fostering responsibility, and promoting interpersonal communication.

B) Promise the client that the issue will be discussed at the next community meeting: While addressing the issue in a community meeting is appropriate, simply promising to bring it up without involving the client may not address the immediate concern or empower the client to take an active role. The client might feel dismissed if their concerns are not immediately acknowledged or acted upon.

C) Help the client clean up the dayroom: Assisting the client in cleaning the lounge may resolve the mess temporarily but does not address the underlying issue of other clients leaving trash. It is more beneficial for the client to engage in communication with their peers to foster a sense of community and mutual respect.

D) Encourage the client to discuss the problem with other clients: Encouraging the client to communicate directly with their peers is a therapeutic approach that fosters assertiveness and problem-solving skills. It allows the client to express their concerns and take responsibility for addressing issues within the community, which is beneficial in their mental health recovery process.

It is important for the nurse to establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with the client. This includes respecting the client's personal space and privacy. By maintaining appropriate boundaries, the nurse ensures a therapeutic and professional relationship that focuses on the client's needs and promotes their well-being.
The other options are not appropriate when developing a relationship with the client:

1. Share personal information to help the client feel comfortable: While it is important to build rapport and create a supportive environment, sharing personal information may blur professional boundaries and divert the focus from the client to the nurse. The therapeutic relationship should primarily revolve around the client's needs and experiences.
2. Develop an emotional commitment to the client: While empathy and compassion are essential in providing care, it is important for the nurse to maintain professional objectivity. Developing an emotional commitment can make it challenging for the nurse to maintain appropriate boundaries and could lead to potential ethical issues.
3. He reminds the nurse of a personal friend or relative: It is important for the nurse to remain unbiased and treat each client as an individual. Drawing comparisons or associations with personal acquaintances can influence the nurse's objectivity and professionalism in providing care.