A nurse on a mental health unit is caring for a client whose plan of care includes learning work-related skills. Which of the following members of the interprofessional team is appropriate for this client?

Choice A Reason:
Offering false reassurance occurs when a nurse or healthcare provider dismisses a patient's concerns with general comforting statements without addressing the reality of the situation or the patient's feelings. In this case, the nurse's response of "Don't worry, no one will harm your family" is an attempt to alleviate the patient's anxiety without acknowledging the patient's fear or providing a realistic plan to ensure the safety of the patient's family. This type of communication can undermine trust and prevent the patient from feeling heard and supported.

Choice B Reason:
Offering sympathy involves sharing feelings of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune. While the nurse's response may seem sympathetic, it does not directly express shared emotions or an understanding of the patient's distress. Therefore, it does not represent offering sympathy as a communication breakdown in this context.

Choice C Reason:
Providing a passive response would involve the nurse not actively engaging with the patient's concerns or failing to provide any response. Since the nurse in the scenario does respond to the patient's statement, this does not constitute a passive response.

Choice D Reason:
Showing disapproval would involve the nurse expressing judgment or criticism of the patient's feelings or actions. The nurse's response does not contain elements of judgment or criticism; rather, it is an attempt to reassure the patient, albeit falsely.

Choice A reason:
Waiting for the client to initiate interaction may result in missed opportunities to build trust and rapport. Clients who are suspicious may never feel comfortable enough to initiate interaction, which could hinder their care and treatment.

Choice B reason:
Adopting a neutral attitude when providing care is recommended for clients who are suspicious. It helps to establish a non-threatening environment and conveys a sense of respect for the client's need for space and boundaries.

Choice C reason:
Disclosing personal information to demonstrate approachability can backfire with clients who are suspicious. It may be perceived as intrusive or as an attempt to elicit personal information from them in return.

Choice D reason:
Approaching the client frequently throughout the day for brief interactions might overwhelm and increase the client's suspicion. It's important to respect the client's space and allow them to set the pace for interactions.