A nurse on a mental health unit is participating in a community meeting with a group of clients. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

This response reflects the therapeutic communication technique of reflection and validation. By acknowledging the client's feelings and reflecting on them back, the nurse shows empathy and encourages further discussion. It allows the client to express their emotions and concerns, fostering a trusting and supportive relationship between the nurse and the client.

incorrect:

A. "You are in really good shape for your age." This response dismisses the client's expressed feelings of despair and does not address the underlying emotions. It fails to acknowledge the client's emotional state and may minimize their concerns.

B. "This is just a minor setback. You will be back on your feet in no time." While the intention may be to provide reassurance, this response invalidates the client's feelings of hopelessness and disregards the significance of their emotional experience. It does not address the client's statement of feeling that their time is up.

C. "The doctors are going to take good care of you. There is nothing to worry about." This response focuses solely on the medical aspect of care and may disregard the client's emotional and existential concerns. It fails to acknowledge the client's expressed feelings of their time being up and does not encourage further exploration of their emotions.

Respecting and honoring the autonomy of the clients is important in a mental health setting. Allowing clients to determine the boundaries of the nurse-client relationship empowers them to have control over their own treatment and fosters a sense of autonomy. It encourages clients to express their needs, preferences, and comfort levels in the therapeutic relationship, which can contribute to a more collaborative and effective treatment process.

The other options mentioned are not appropriate actions for the nurse to take:

A. Orienting clients to their responsibilities on the unit is an important task, but it is not specific to the context of a community meeting. It is more relevant during individual client orientations or at the beginning of their admission.

B. Focusing on client weaknesses to increase adaptation is not a therapeutic approach. It is important to focus on clients' strengths and support their growth and development rather than emphasizing weaknesses.

C. Planning to discuss any topic presented by clients can be unfeasible or not relevant in a community meeting. It is essential to have structure and purpose in group discussions to facilitate meaningful interactions.