Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Who is primarily responsible for maintaining boundaries in the nurse-client relationship in a forensic setting?

1. The nurse alone

2. The patient alone

3. Both the nurse and the patient

4. The facility administration

The correct answer is: The patient alone

In a forensic setting, maintaining boundaries in the nurse-client relationship primarily falls to the patient due to the unique dynamics involved. Patients in these environments often have complex backgrounds and may struggle with understanding the acceptable limits of interactions. While it is crucial for healthcare professionals to establish and enforce therapeutic boundaries, the accountability also lies with the patient to recognize and respect those boundaries. This dynamic is essential because the nature of forensic settings can be challenging, with factors like mistrust, past traumas, and various mental health issues at play. The patient's understanding and adherence to these boundaries help foster a safer and more therapeutic environment. The nurse’s role includes setting up appropriate boundaries and providing guidance, but the patient's involvement is critical for mutual respect in the relationship. In this context, while the facility administration and the nurse certainly play important roles in establishing policies and frameworks that promote boundary maintenance, the onus tends to be on the patient to actively engage with and respect those boundaries within the relationship.