You are beginning a therapeutic relationship with a patient.
Which action would you take during the orientation phase of this relationship?

Choice A rationale:

Explaining that the hospital follows a preferred provider organization structure does not help the patient obtain health insurance.

Choice B rationale:

Reviewing the benefits of obtaining health insurance through a health maintenance organization does not help the patient obtain health insurance.

Choice C rationale:

Asking social services to help the patient use the state health care exchange to shop for health insurance coverage is the best action as it directly addresses the patient’s need.

Choice D rationale:

Suggesting the patient consider contacting the state to enroll in Medicaid may not be appropriate if the patient does not meet the eligibility criteria for Medicaid.

Choice A rationale:

During the orientation phase, the nurse and patient get to know each other and establish a plan of care, making this the correct choice.

Choice B rationale:

Identifying the patient’s coping mechanisms is typically part of the working phase, not the orientation phase.

Choice C rationale:

Determining if the patient has been helped is part of the termination phase, not the orientation phase.

Choice D rationale:

Asking the patient for the name they prefer could be done at any time, but it is not a specific action taken during the orientation phase.