A nurse in an outpatient mental health clinic is caring for a client who has anorexia nervosa. The nurse is assessing the client during a follow-up visit.
Which of the following findings indicate a therapeutic response to the treatment plan? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A rationale:

Avoids addressing the client's behavior: This response does not directly address the client's disrespectful tone of voice. It simply gives the client the schedule and expects them to comply. This could reinforce the client's belief that they can act out without consequences.

Misses an opportunity to set boundaries: Setting boundaries is essential when working with clients with BPD. This response does not establish a clear boundary regarding acceptable communication.

Does not promote therapeutic communication: This response does not encourage the client to share their feelings or explore the reasons behind their outburst. It shuts down communication rather than opening it up.

Choice B rationale:

Directly addresses the inappropriate behavior: This response assertively communicates to the client that their tone of voice is unacceptable. It sets a clear boundary regarding respectful communication.

Models appropriate communication: The nurse models respectful communication by using a calm and assertive tone of voice. This can help the client learn to communicate more effectively.

Promotes self-awareness: This response may prompt the client to reflect on their behavior and the impact it has on others. It can help them develop better self-awareness and emotional regulation skills.

Choice C rationale:

Focuses on the nurse's feelings: This response shifts the focus away from the client's behavior and onto the nurse's feelings. It can make the client feel defensive and less likely to engage in productive communication.

May escalate the situation: Asking "why" s can sometimes put clients on the defensive and lead to further conflict. It's generally more helpful to focus on the present behavior and its impact.

Choice D rationale:

Condescending and challenging: This response comes across as condescending and challenging. It's likely to make the client feel defensive and resentful.

Not therapeutic: This response does not promote a sense of trust or rapport between the nurse and the client. It's unlikely to lead to productive communication or behavior change.

Choice A rationale:

This response is dismissive of the client's concerns and does not acknowledge their feelings. It also implies that the client is not knowledgeable about their own condition. This could make the client feel defensive and less likely to share their concerns in the future.

It focuses on the medical facts of the diagnosis rather than addressing the client's emotional state. It may come across as patronizing or judgmental, further alienating the client.

Choice B rationale:

This response demonstrates active listening and empathy. It acknowledges the client's feelings and validates their concerns. This can help to build trust and rapport with the client.

It encourages the client to express their fears and worries, which can be therapeutic in itself.

It opens the door for further discussion about the client's concerns and provides an opportunity for the nurse to offer support and education.

Choice C rationale:

This response is reassuring, but it does not address the client's underlying concerns. It may also come across as dismissive or patronizing.

It relies solely on the medical chart to make a judgment about the client's concerns, without taking into account the client's own perspective.

It does not provide an opportunity for the client to express their fears and worries.

Choice D rationale:

This response is a deflection and does not provide the client with the support they need in the moment. It may also make the client feel like their concerns are not being taken seriously.

It shifts the responsibility for addressing the client's concerns to the provider, which may not be helpful if the client is already feeling anxious or uncertain.