A nurse is caring for a patient who has returned from a bereavement support group.
Which of the following patient statements indicates that the patient is meeting the planned outcomes of treatment?

Choice A rationale
The client must be calm and cooperative. This is the most important criterion for removing physical restraints. Restraints are used to prevent patients from causing harm to themselves or others. Once the patient is calm and cooperative, it indicates that the risk of harm has decreased. The goal is always to use the least restrictive measures and to remove restraints as soon as possible.
Choice B rationale
The provider who prescribed the restraints must be present to assess the client before the restraints can be removed. This is not necessarily true. While a provider’s order is required to initiate restraints, the decision to remove them can often be made by the nurse based on their assessment of the patient.
Choice C rationale
The client must verbalize remorse for their behavior. This is not a requirement for removing restraints. The primary concern is the safety of the patient and others, not whether the patient expresses remorse.
Choice D rationale

The client only verbalizes anger toward the staff. If the client is still expressing anger, it may not be safe to remove the restraints. However, verbalizing anger alone is not a sufficient reason to keep a patient in restraints.

Choice A rationale: This is a closed-ended question focused on comprehension, not emotional insight. It assesses understanding of treatment steps but does not invite exploration of feelings or emotional context.

Choice B rationale: This question targets informational needs and resource access. While supportive, it does not prompt the client to reflect on or express emotional states or internal experiences.

Choice C rationale: Asking about coping skills gathers behavioral data. It may indirectly touch on emotional regulation but does not directly invite clarification or expression of current feelings.

Choice D rationale: This is a reflection statement that mirrors the client’s emotional experience. It encourages the client to explore and clarify their feelings about support and success, aligning with therapeutic communication principles.