Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which method effectively promotes the nurse-client relationship and reduces the formalized hospital environment?

1. Nurses wearing uniforms at all times

2. Staff and patients wearing street clothes

3. Limiting patient interactions

4. Conducting therapy sessions outside the hospital

The correct answer is: Staff and patients wearing street clothes

Promoting the nurse-client relationship and reducing the formalized atmosphere of a hospital setting can be greatly enhanced by staff and patients wearing street clothes. This approach helps to create a more relaxed and approachable environment, fostering open communication and trust. When nurses and patients are dressed in everyday clothing, it can diminish the perceived barriers often associated with the formal hospital attire, which may evoke feelings of discomfort or anxiety in patients. Wearing street clothes contributes to a more egalitarian relationship, as it humanizes the care experience and allows patients to feel more at ease. This informality encourages conversations that might not occur in a strictly formal setting, facilitating better rapport and understanding. Overall, adopting this practice can enhance the therapeutic relationship, as it aligns more closely with the everyday experiences of patients, making them feel like partners in their care rather than subjects of treatment.