A nurse wants to remain hopeful and optimistic when working with hospice patients. Which would be appropriate affirmations for the nurse to use?

A. The nurse has expert knowledge of diabetes and formulates appropriate learning outcomes for the client.
While expert knowledge is important, it is not sufficient on its own for building a mutually respectful relationship. Mutuality involves collaboration, where the client’s needs and preferences are taken into account in the care process.

B. The nurse teaches diabetes management by involving the client in making decisions about self-care.
This approach fosters mutuality by recognizing the client’s role in their own health management. It empowers the client to take an active role in their care, which is essential for building a collaborative and effective nurse-client relationship. This approach supports the client’s autonomy and respects their expertise about their own life.

C. The nurse controls the relationship by retaining the power to make judgments about diabetes education.
Controlling the relationship and making judgments undermines mutuality. Effective nurse-client relationships are based on partnership and shared decision-making rather than unilateral decision-making.

D. The nurse demonstrates trust and respect by solving problems for the client when issues occur with self-management.
While problem-solving is part of care, true mutuality involves the client being an active participant in their care decisions rather than just having problems solved for them. Empowering the client and involving them in decision-making processes are key elements of mutuality.

A. This response is conditional and does not express a clear boundary or communicate the nurse’s own needs and limitations.

B. This response expresses frustration but does not address the request in an assertive or rational manner.

C. This response prioritizes the manager’s feelings over the nurse’s own boundaries and needs.

D. This response clearly and directly communicates the nurse’s inability to take on the extra shift, which is an assertive and rational way to set a boundary.