Which actions by a nurse indicate non-therapeutic relationships?

Which actions by a nurse indicate non-therapeutic relationships?

• A. Buying toys for a hospitalized child and visiting families on off-duty days.
• B. Providing patient-centered education.
• C. Maintaining professional boundaries.
• D. Documenting care.

Answer: (A)

Setting boundaries in the nurse–patient relationship is essential to keep care focused on the patient’s needs and avoid personal involvement that could influence care. Buying toys for a hospitalized child and visiting families on off-duty days crosses that line, because it blurs the professional role with social or personal interactions. Gifts can create a sense of obligation or favoritism and may affect objectivity, fairness, or the child’s perception of care. Off-duty visits turn the nurse into a social contact rather than a caregiver, risking dual relationships and policies designed to protect patient welfare and professional integrity. Providing patient-centered education supports the patient’s autonomy and involvement in care, which is therapeutic. Maintaining professional boundaries and documenting care are fundamental professional practices that promote safe, ethical care.

Setting boundaries in the nurse–patient relationship is essential to keep care focused on the patient’s needs and avoid personal involvement that could influence care. Buying toys for a hospitalized child and visiting families on off-duty days crosses that line, because it blurs the professional role with social or personal interactions. Gifts can create a sense of obligation or favoritism and may affect objectivity, fairness, or the child’s perception of care. Off-duty visits turn the nurse into a social contact rather than a caregiver, risking dual relationships and policies designed to protect patient welfare and professional integrity.

Providing patient-centered education supports the patient’s autonomy and involvement in care, which is therapeutic. Maintaining professional boundaries and documenting care are fundamental professional practices that promote safe, ethical care.