A young male client who has recently become a quadriplegic makes a sexually inappropriate comment to the nurse. Which of the following statements by the nurse would be most appropriate?
“It is inappropriate to speak me or any nurse that way.”
“While you’re attractive, I’m married.”
“Don’t you have a fiancé?”
“I’m old enough to be your parent.”
Number 1 is correct.
Setting appropriate boundaries is necessary to establish a therapeutic relationship. Confirming an attraction is contraindicated. Questioning the client’s relationship status avoids the fundamental issue of establishing limits. Identifying an age difference between the client and the nurse fails to set limits.
