A nurse is leading a therapy session for a group of adolescent clients. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an adaptive use of ego defense mechanisms?

A. The client states that he will harm himself unless the restraints are removed.
This statement indicates a clear risk, but merely stating a desire for restraint removal is not sufficient reason to remove restraints. It's essential to assess the patient comprehensively and make the decision based on their current state and safety concerns.

B. The client demonstrates that he is oriented to person, place, and time.
When a restrained patient shows orientation to person (knows who they are and who others are), place (knows where they are), and time (knows the current date and time), it suggests they are aware of their surroundings and can make rational decisions. This orientation indicates a level of awareness that might justify removing the restraints.

C. The client is able to follow commands.
While following commands is an important aspect, it alone might not be enough to guarantee the patient's overall awareness of their situation and safety. A comprehensive assessment, including orientation and ability to follow commands, is necessary.

D. The client refuses to take his medication unless he is released.
Medication refusal alone may not be a sufficient reason to remove restraints, especially if the patient is not demonstrating an understanding of their situation or if releasing the restraints could pose a risk to the patient or others.

A. Summarize the objectives the client achieved during the relationship:
This intervention is more appropriate for the termination phase of the nurse-client relationship. During termination, the nurse summarizes the progress made, goals achieved, and skills learned during the therapeutic relationship. This helps both the nurse and the client reflect on the journey and celebrate accomplishments.

B. Present issues regarding confidentiality:
Discussing confidentiality is crucial and typically occurs in the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship. Establishing trust and clarifying the boundaries of confidentiality early in the relationship helps the client feel secure and promotes open communication. This choice is relevant during the initial stages of the therapeutic relationship.

C. Promote the client's problem-solving skills:
This is the correct choice for the working phase of the nurse-client relationship. In this phase, the focus is on active problem-solving, exploring feelings and thoughts, and encouraging the client to develop coping strategies. The nurse supports the client in identifying problems, generating solutions, and implementing effective strategies. Promoting the client's problem-solving skills is a central aspect of therapeutic work during this phase.

D. Identify the responsibilities of the client and nurse:
Clarifying the responsibilities of both the client and nurse is essential to establish clear roles and expectations. This usually occurs in the orientation phase. During this phase, the nurse explains the purpose of the therapeutic relationship, the roles of both parties and the boundaries of the nurse-client interaction. Establishing clear responsibilities helps create a foundation for a respectful and effective therapeutic alliance.