A nurse is caring for a client who has a substance use disorder. The client states, "The state took my child away after my overdose. I don't want to go on living without them." Which of the following therapeutic responses should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: Assisting the client to use new coping strategies is an important part of managing bipolar disorder, but it is not the first action a nurse should take when establishing a nurse-client relationship. Coping strategies will be more effective once a trusting relationship has been established and the client feels secure in sharing personal information.

Choice B reason: Establishing confidentiality guidelines with the client is the first and most crucial step in forming a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. It sets the foundation for trust and openness, ensuring the client understands that their personal information will be protected and shared only with those directly involved in their care.

Choice C reason: Helping the client to make behavioral changes is a goal in the treatment of bipolar disorder. However, before any interventions can be planned or implemented, the nurse must first establish a rapport and trust with the client, which begins with ensuring confidentiality.

Choice D reason: Sharing information with the client about their disorder is essential for their understanding and participation in care. However, this should occur after establishing a relationship in which the client feels comfortable and secure, knowing their privacy is respected.

Choice A reason: Lack of empathy is not a characteristic finding in OCPD. While individuals with OCPD may appear insensitive or less responsive to the needs and feelings of others due to their focus on rules and productivity, this does not equate to a true lack of empathy.

Choice B reason: Preoccupation with details is a hallmark of OCPD. Individuals with this disorder have an excessive concern with orderliness, perfectionism, and control over their environment and tasks. They may become so involved in making every detail perfect that it can hinder task completion and efficiency.

Choice C reason: Exploitative behavior is more characteristic of other personality disorders, such as narcissistic personality disorder, and is not a typical feature of OCPD. People with OCPD are more likely to be overly conscientious and fair in their dealings with others.

Choice D reason: Excessive clinging is not typically associated with OCPD. Instead, individuals with OCPD may have difficulty delegating tasks or working with others unless things are done precisely their way, which stems from their need for control rather than a need for closeness or reassurance.