A nurse is Caring for a client who is extremely suspicious of the nursing staff and other clients. Which of the following nursing approaches is appropriate when establishing a therapeutic relationship with this client?
Disclose some personal information to the client to demonstrate approachability.
Approach the client frequently throughout the day for brief interactions.
Adopt a neutral attitude when providing care.
Wait for the client to initiate interaction.
The Correct Answer is C
Sharing personal information can blur the professional boundaries and might not be effective in reducing the client's suspicion. It's important to maintain a professional demeanor while building trust.
B) Approach the client frequently throughout the day for brief interactions:
While it's important to establish a presence and provide support, approaching the client too frequently might increase their discomfort and reinforce their suspicion. It's better to allow the client some personal space while ensuring they know you are available when needed.
C) Adopt a neutral attitude when providing care.
Explanation:
When dealing with a client who is extremely suspicious, it's important for the nurse to approach the situation with a neutral attitude. A neutral attitude helps to build trust and minimize any potential triggers for the client's suspicion. This approach creates a non-threatening environment where the client may feel more comfortable and gradually begin to open up.
D) Wait for the client to initiate interaction:
While giving the client space is important, waiting for them to initiate interaction might prolong the development of a therapeutic relationship. Clients who are extremely suspicious might have difficulty initiating interactions due to their concerns.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Decreased display of emotions:
While changes in emotional expression can occur in individuals with dementia, it's not a primary manifestation that is typically emphasized when educating families. Behavioral and psychological symptoms, including changes in emotion and personality, can be seen in dementia, but forgetfulness progressing to disorientation is a more direct and characteristic symptom of the condition.
B) Forgetfulness gradually progressing to disorientation
Explanation:
When educating the family of a client with dementia, the nurse should inform them to expect forgetfulness that gradually progresses to disorientation. Dementia is a progressive cognitive decline that affects memory, thinking, and reasoning. Forgetfulness is often one of the initial symptoms of dementia, and as the condition advances, individuals can become disoriented to time, place, and even people. This progression occurs due to the degeneration of brain cells and the accumulation of abnormal proteins.
C) Personality traits that are opposite of original traits:
Changes in personality traits can indeed occur as a result of dementia, but this may not be the most prominent or early manifestation that the nurse would want to highlight when educating the family. The gradual progression of forgetfulness leading to disorientation is a more specific and foundational aspect of dementia.
D) Decreased auditory and visual acuity:
Decreased sensory acuity, such as auditory and visual acuity, can happen with age and various health conditions, but they are not primary manifestations of dementia. Dementia primarily affects cognitive functions like memory, thinking, and reasoning.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Remaining with the client provides support and ensures their safety. The client's behavior indicates distress, and having a nurse nearby can help the client feel more comfortable and secure.
B. Give the client a PRN sleeping medication:
Explanation: Administering a sleeping medication should not be the first response, especially if the client is agitated. It's important to address the underlying cause of the agitation and consider other interventions before resorting to medication.
C. Encourage the client to go back to bed:
Explanation: Encouraging the client to go back to bed might not be effective if they are experiencing significant distress or anxiety. It's better to address their emotional state first before suggesting any changes in activity.
D. Explore alternatives to pacing the floor with the client:
Explanation: This is a reasonable course of action. Exploring alternatives to the client's current behavior can help address their distress and find ways to manage their emotions more effectively.
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