The nurse is caring for a client in an acute mental health unit. The client states, “I believe my food is poisoned.” Which of the following should be an appropriate action by the nurse?

Choice A Reason:
Offering false reassurance occurs when a nurse or healthcare provider dismisses a patient's concerns with general comforting statements without addressing the reality of the situation or the patient's feelings. In this case, the nurse's response of "Don't worry, no one will harm your family" is an attempt to alleviate the patient's anxiety without acknowledging the patient's fear or providing a realistic plan to ensure the safety of the patient's family. This type of communication can undermine trust and prevent the patient from feeling heard and supported.

Choice B Reason:
Offering sympathy involves sharing feelings of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune. While the nurse's response may seem sympathetic, it does not directly express shared emotions or an understanding of the patient's distress. Therefore, it does not represent offering sympathy as a communication breakdown in this context.

Choice C Reason:
Providing a passive response would involve the nurse not actively engaging with the patient's concerns or failing to provide any response. Since the nurse in the scenario does respond to the patient's statement, this does not constitute a passive response.

Choice D Reason:
Showing disapproval would involve the nurse expressing judgment or criticism of the patient's feelings or actions. The nurse's response does not contain elements of judgment or criticism; rather, it is an attempt to reassure the patient, albeit falsely.

Choice A Reason:
Bureaucratic leadership is structured and rule-based, often relying on strict adherence to policies and procedures¹. In the scenario described, the nurse's decision to remove the patients from the group session does not necessarily reflect a bureaucratic approach, as it does not specify adherence to established rules or protocols.

Choice B Reason:
Democratic leadership involves participative decision-making, where the leader includes team members in the process¹. The nurse's action in the scenario does not suggest a democratic style, as the decision was made unilaterally without seeking input from the group.

Choice C Reason:
Autocratic leadership is characterized by individual control over all decisions with little input from group members¹. The nurse's decision to remove the patients without group discussion or input aligns with an autocratic leadership style.

Choice D Reason:
Laissez-faire leadership is a hands-off approach, where leaders allow group members to make the decisions¹. The nurse's proactive decision to remove the patients indicates a more direct and controlled approach, contrasting with the laissez-faire style.