What describes the therapeutic phase when a nurse is working with a patient?

The therapeutic phase of nursing involves a focused and directive approach, which is critical for facilitating effective communication and achieving patients' goals. In this phase, the nurse actively engages with the patient, providing guidance and support while fostering a constructive therapeutic relationship. This means the nurse sets clear expectations, encourages the patient to express their thoughts and feelings, and helps them navigate their healthcare journey by providing pertinent information or interventions. This focused and directive nature of the relationship ensures that the patient's needs are met while promoting their autonomy and participation in their care.

In contrast to this approach, being lenient and non-directive may lead to a lack of structure in the interaction, potentially leaving the patient confused or unsupported. A passive and observant stance could hinder the therapeutic relationship, as it prevents the nurse from actively engaging and addressing the patient’s concerns or goals. Lastly, while being warm and nurturing is an essential aspect of building rapport, it alone does not capture the active, goal-oriented nature of the therapeutic phase, which requires more than just warmth to be effective.