The home health nurse is providing long-term care to several clients. Which are examples of inappropriately crossing professional boundaries? Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Professional boundaries set limits to maintain a therapeutic professional relationship between the nurse and client. However, the line between professional and personal interactions is sometimes blurred in extended relationships or when care is given in the client's home. The nurse should always put the client's needs first and never seek personal gain (eg, accepting gift worth >$20, asking for financial investment/loan) (Options A & E). The nurse should follow a facility's policy on professional standards of behavior. In the absence of a formal policy, the nurse should consider if the action would be appropriate to include in the medical record. If the nurse is unsure, it may be indicative of a violation of professional boundaries (eg, flirting with client, consuming alcoholic beverages with client) (Option F). (Option B) An occasional visit to a previous client in a different circumstance (hospital, nursing home) is considered appropriate and caring. (Option C) It is appropriate for the nurse to offer assistance in meeting a client's spiritual needs if the client desires it. The nurse should not force their own beliefs, religion, or practices on the client. (Option D) Sending a sympathy card to acknowledge a family's loss is a holistic and therapeutic measure. Educational objective: Professional boundaries involve maintaining a relationship that benefits the client, not the nurse, and to which the nurse would not be reluctant to admit. It is generally not appropriate to socialize with a current client after hours, ask for a financial investment/loan, or accept a valuable gift.

The Home Health Nurse Is Providing Long-Term Care to Several