During a group therapy meeting, a client brings up a concern about the cleanliness of the bathroom. The nurse asks the group what should be done about the issue and how to resolve it. The nurse is demonstrating which type of leadership style?

The correct answer is choice D: "The partner has lost 25 lbs in the past 3 months."

Choice D rationale:

This choice is the correct answer because significant weight loss in a caregiver, such as the partner of a client with Alzheimer's disease, is indicative of caregiver role strain. Caregiver role strain refers to the physical, emotional, and psychological stress experienced by caregivers due to the demands of providing care for a loved one. Weight loss in this context suggests that the partner's own health and well-being are being compromised due to the caregiving responsibilities.

Choice A rationale:

This choice might be related to safety concerns and trying to prevent the client from wandering, but it does not directly indicate caregiver role strain. Placing locks at the top of doors is a common safety measure to prevent clients with Alzheimer's disease from wandering and getting lost.

Choice B rationale:

This choice is actually a positive observation. Redirecting a frustrated client is a helpful and appropriate caregiving strategy. It indicates that the partner is actively engaged in managing the client's behavior and emotions, which is not a sign of caregiver role strain.

Choice C rationale:

Hiring a house cleaner is a practical decision and could be a sign of the partner's effort to manage their caregiving responsibilities more effectively. While it might imply a certain level of stress, it doesn't directly point to caregiver role strain as much as the significant weight loss does.

Choice A rationale:

Demonstrating genuineness involves being authentic, sincere, and transparent in interactions with clients. This helps build trust by showing that the nurse's intentions and emotions align with their words. Genuineness fosters a sense of safety and openness in the therapeutic relationship.

Choice B rationale:

While focusing on the words of the clients is important, it's not the only factor. Nonverbal cues, emotions, and context also play significant roles in effective communication. Only focusing on words could result in missing important nuances and emotions.

Choice C rationale:

Controlling the pace of the nurse-client relationship contradicts the principle of client-centered care, where the client's readiness and comfort should guide the pace. Pushing the pace might lead to resistance or discomfort, hindering the development of trust.

Choice D rationale:

Providing sympathy involves expressing pity or sorrow for the client's situation. However, empathy, which involves understanding and sharing the client's feelings, is more appropriate. Sympathy might create a sense of pity, while empathy establishes a deeper connection and understanding.