Texas Board of Nursing (BON) Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of the nurse maintaining professional boundaries of the nurse-client relationship?

1. Sharing candy from a patient with other staff and telling them the source of the candy

2. discussing patient cases in public areas

3. exchanging personal phone numbers with a patient

4. befriending a patient on social media

The correct answer is: Sharing candy from a patient with other staff and telling them the source of the candy

Maintaining professional boundaries in the nurse-client relationship is essential for the ethical and effective care of patients. In this scenario, the correct answer is A because sharing candy from a patient with other staff and acknowledging the source of the gift promotes transparency and shows respect for the patient's goodwill without compromising professional boundaries. Options B, C, and D blur the lines between professional and personal relationships, which can potentially harm the therapeutic relationship with the patient. Discussing patient cases in public areas, exchanging personal phone numbers with a patient, and befriending a patient on social media can all lead to breaches in confidentiality, compromised objectivity, and potential exploitation of the patient-therapist relationship.