Which behavior shows that a nurse-client relationship is in the working phase?

In the working phase of a nurse-client relationship, the focus shifts to actively addressing the client's issues and fostering personal insight. During this phase, the client is expected to express thoughts and feelings in a more open, honest, and detailed manner. When the client describes problems in detail, it indicates a level of trust and engagement in the therapeutic process, which is crucial for effective intervention and problem-solving.

The ability to discuss personal issues signifies that the client has moved beyond initial apprehensions or avoidance behaviors that might characterize the orientation phase. The working phase is characterized by collaboration between the nurse and client, as they navigate the client's experiences together, allowing for deeper exploration of issues and supportive interventions.

In contrast, behaviors such as avoiding personal discussions reflect a lack of readiness to engage, while asking about the nurse's background can hint at curiosity but does not directly contribute to addressing the client's own challenges. Challenging the therapist's methods might indicate resistance or a struggle within the relationship but does not necessarily reflect the constructive collaboration that defines the working phase. Thus, the client's ability to articulate problems in depth is a key indicator of progressing towards positive outcomes.