Define “boundary violations” in a therapeutic relationship.

Boundary violations in a therapeutic relationship refer to situations where a nurse's actions blur the professional relationship, which can compromise the integrity of care and the welfare of the patient. This occurs when the boundaries of the professional role are crossed, resulting in a mix of personal and professional involvement. A healthy therapeutic relationship is based on trust, safety, and respect, and it is crucial to maintain clear boundaries to uphold these values.

In this context, maintaining a proper therapeutic distance is essential to avoid any actions or behaviors that might exploit the patient or create confusion regarding the nurse's role. For example, a nurse sharing personal information or forming a friendship with a patient might lead the patient to feel dependent or misinterpret the professional nature of the relationship. Therefore, it is vital for healthcare providers to be aware of and actively manage boundaries to maintain a therapeutic and effective relationship with their patients.