Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

How can professional boundaries become blurred in a therapeutic relationship?

1. By focusing only on client needs

2. By attempting to meet one's own needs

3. By avoiding personal feelings

4. By sharing professional experiences

The correct answer is: By attempting to meet one's own needs

In a therapeutic relationship, professional boundaries can become blurred when a caregiver attempts to meet their own personal needs instead of focusing solely on the needs of the client. This can happen when the nurse or healthcare provider starts to prioritize their emotional or psychological requirements over their professional responsibilities, leading to over-involvement or dual relationships. When a practitioner uses the therapeutic relationship to fulfill their own emotional desires, it can compromise the integrity of the professional relationship. It may lead to issues such as dependency, manipulation, or conflict of interest, which can disrupt the effective care and support that the client needs. Maintaining clear boundaries is essential for ensuring that the therapeutic relationship remains beneficial and focused on the client's recovery and well-being. In this context, focusing only on client needs, avoiding personal feelings, and sharing professional experiences do not necessarily lead to boundary blurring if they are approached appropriately. However, pursuing personal needs breaks the fundamental guideline of prioritizing the client's health and well-being, making it the correct choice in understanding how boundaries are compromised.