The following statement best describes which phase in the cycle of battering: "The woman senses that the man's tolerance for frustration is declining. He becomes angry with little provocation but may be quick to apologize. She may just try to stay out of his way." The nurse recognizes this statement to be which of the following phases?

Choice A rationale:

Other than possible coordination problems, the client's psychomotor skills are not affected. Severe Intellectual Disability (ID) is characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning as well as adaptive behaviors. Coordination problems are not a primary characteristic of severe ID. The main focus is on cognitive and adaptive deficits.

Choice B rationale:

The client communicates wants and needs by "acting out behaviors." Severe ID can lead to challenges in effective communication. "Acting out behaviors" such as tantrums, aggression, or other disruptive actions might be the client's way of expressing themselves when they are unable to communicate verbally or effectively due to their cognitive limitations.

Choice C rationale:

The client can perform some self-care activities independently. Severe ID typically involves significant impairments in adaptive functioning, which includes self-care activities. The ability to perform some self-care activities independently is not consistent with the characteristics of severe ID.

Choice D rationale:

The client has advanced speech development. Severe ID is associated with delayed or impaired speech and language development. Advanced speech development would be contradictory to the diagnosis of severe ID, as this condition is characterized by substantial limitations in communication skills.

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.