Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination (RPNCE) Practice test

What should the RPN do if a client requests to continue seeing them after discharge planning is in place?

1. Consider continuing treatment

2. Offer to review successes of treatment

3. Explore alternative discharge options

4. Maintain therapeutic boundaries

The correct answer is: Maintain therapeutic boundaries

Maintaining therapeutic boundaries is essential in psychiatric nursing practice, especially in the context of discharge planning. When a client requests to continue seeing their registered psychiatric nurse after discharge, it is important for the RPN to uphold professional boundaries to ensure the therapeutic relationship remains appropriate and beneficial. Therapeutic boundaries help define the nurse-client relationship, creating a safe space where the client can express their feelings and concerns without crossing into dependence or creating confusion about the relationship's nature. This maintains the integrity of the nursing role and supports the client’s transition to other resources or professionals for ongoing support. Furthermore, once discharge planning is in place, it signifies that the client is ready to move to the next phase of their care, which may include other community resources, support groups, or follow-up with different healthcare providers. Encouraging continued reliance on the RPN after discharge may hinder the client's autonomy and adjustment skills needed in the community setting. This approach encourages clients to take responsibility for their care while still acknowledging the importance of the supportive relationships that can be formed within professional boundaries.