A nurse is caring for a client who is withdrawing from opioids. Which of the following medications would the nurse prepare to administer?

Choice A rationale:

Praying and using relaxation techniques when experiencing rapid breathing are effective stress management strategies. These techniques help manage the body's stress response and promote relaxation.

Choice B rationale:

Journaling is a constructive way to manage stress, especially when verbal expression is difficult. It allows individuals to reflect on their thoughts and emotions, leading to a sense of relief.

Choice C rationale:

"Fixing a pot of coffee" when anxious is the least effective technique mentioned. Consuming large amounts of caffeine can exacerbate anxiety symptoms by increasing heart rate and contributing to a sense of restlessness and nervousness.

Choice D rationale:

Engaging in physical exercise when experiencing tension in the neck is a productive strategy. Exercise promotes the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters and stress reducers.

The correct answer is choice A: Set limits for the relationship.

Choice A rationale:

Setting limits for the therapeutic relationship (Choice A) is an essential nursing action. Boundaries help create a safe and structured environment, ensuring that both the nurse and client maintain appropriate roles. Limits prevent overstepping boundaries that could compromise the therapeutic alliance.Setting limits for the relationship is an essential part of establishing a therapeutic relationship in a mental health setting. This helps to maintain professional boundaries and ensures that the relationship remains focused on the client’s needs and therapeutic goals.

Choice B rationale:

Engaging in affectionate interactions with the client (Choice B) is not appropriate in a therapeutic relationship. Professionalism and maintaining appropriate boundaries are crucial in psychiatric nursing. Affectionate interactions could blur the lines between the therapeutic relationship and personal relationships, potentially harming the client's progress.

Choice C rationale:

Promoting the use of transference by the client (Choice C) is not a suitable approach. Transference occurs when a client projects feelings and emotions onto the nurse based on past experiences. While it can be valuable to explore transference, actively promoting it could lead to confusion and misunderstandings in the therapeutic relationship.

Choice D rationale:

Instructing the client on how they should behave (Choice D) is contrary to the principles of a therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic relationship is client-centered, where the nurse supports the client's self-discovery and growth. Directing the client's behavior undermines their autonomy and inhibits their progress.