NCLEX · Mental Health Concepts

Which describes the BEST approach to maintaining a therapeutic nurse-client relationship?

Correct answer

Maintaining professional boundaries while showing empathy, respect, and consistency

  1. A Sharing personal problems with the client to seem relatable
  2. B Maintaining professional boundaries while showing empathy, respect, and consistency
  3. C Becoming the client's personal friend
  4. D Making decisions for the client to reduce their stress

Why this is the answer

A therapeutic nurse-client relationship is built on professional boundaries combined with empathy, respect, trust, and consistency, with the focus kept on the client's needs and goals. The nurse avoids crossing boundaries — such as sharing personal problems, becoming a personal friend, or taking over the client's decisions — which would shift focus away from the client and undermine the relationship. Supporting the client's autonomy and maintaining appropriate boundaries are central to the therapeutic relationship. Understanding the boundaries and qualities of the therapeutic relationship is a core psychosocial concept. (Verify against current NCLEX prep materials.)
Source: NCLEX-PN Psychosocial — Therapeutic Relationship