A system of rewards and punishment is being used to motivate the client

Leaving the client alone allows time for the nurse to think of other strategies

This behavior indicates the client’s desire for solitude that the nurse is respecting

This threat is considered assault, and the nurse should not have reacted in this manner

A client is hospitalized because of severe depression. The client refuses to eat, stays in bed most of the time, does not talk with family members, and will not leave the room. The nurse attempts to initiate a conversation by asking questions but receives no answers. Finally, the nurse tells the client that if there is no response, the nurse will leave and the client will remain alone. How should the nurse’s behavior be interpreted?
