Reflection Questions
The nurse, Jorri, meets with an older adult client who will be discharged from the hospital later today. The discharge plan includes assisted outpatient treatment, mandated as a condition of the client’s release. The client, Edward, sits without speaking, arms crossed, looking down at the floor. The nurse opens a conversation:
Jorri: It seems to me you have something on your mind. If so, can we talk about it?
Edward: What’s there to talk about? All my decisions are made for me.
Jorri: Your decisions . . . ?
Edward: Yeah, like how I live when I get out of here. Going to therapy appointments every week and even having somebody come to my house to check on me. Like I’m not a grown man!
Jorri personally feels community care is appropriate for Edward, though Jorri can see Edward’s distress. Consider the QSEN competency regarding the limits and boundaries of therapeutic client-centered care. In this scenario, what knowledge, skills, and attitudes should the nurse consider to guide a response to the client?