After assessing a new client who admits to opioid addiction, a nursing student expresses the belief that drug addiction is not a real illness because "people who use drugs do it to themselves." Which response by the staff nurse is appropriate?
A)"Sometimes a client doesn't show much effort to change his or her behavior."
B)"We are legally obligated to provide care, regardless of the cause of a client's illness."
C)"It is important to remain nonjudgmental when caring for any client, even a drug addict."
D)"You are right. I don't know why we bother."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)Nurses must maintain a nonjudgmental attitude with their clients in order to promote trust and respect. Even if a client is not currently making much effort toward managing an addiction, the development of a trusting relationship with the nurse helps set the stage for movement toward recovery in the future. Although it is true that nurses are legally obligated to provide care, this response is not client-focused and is therefore inappropriate.
B)Nurses must maintain a nonjudgmental attitude with their clients in order to promote trust and respect. Even if a client is not currently making much effort toward managing an addiction, the development of a trusting relationship with the nurse helps set the stage for movement toward recovery in the future. Although it is true that nurses are legally obligated to provide care, this response is not client-focused and is therefore inappropriate.
C)Nurses must maintain a nonjudgmental attitude with their clients in order to promote trust and respect. Even if a client is not currently making much effort toward managing an addiction, the development of a trusting relationship with the nurse helps set the stage for movement toward recovery in the future. Although it is true that nurses are legally obligated to provide care, this response is not client-focused and is therefore inappropriate.
D)Nurses must maintain a nonjudgmental attitude with their clients in order to promote trust and respect. Even if a client is not currently making much effort toward managing an addiction, the development of a trusting relationship with the nurse helps set the stage for movement toward recovery in the future. Although it is true that nurses are legally obligated to provide care, this response is not client-focused and is therefore inappropriate.

After Assessing a New Client Who Admits to Opioid Addiction