In the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship, which activity is most characteristic?

• A. Crisis Assessment
• B. Establishment of Roles
• C. Patient Discharge Planning
• D. Referral to Community Resources

Answer: (B)

In the orientation phase, the focus is on how the nurse and client will work together—the relationship itself, boundaries, and who does what. Establishing roles is the core of this stage because it sets the expectations for interaction, clarifies responsibility, and creates a sense of safety and structure for the therapeutic process. This groundwork makes it possible to move smoothly into later activities like planning and collaboration.

Crisis assessment is typically about immediate danger or acute needs and fits more with handling a crisis or early working phase rather than establishing the relationship. Discharge planning and referrals to community resources are about transitioning care and continuation after the client’s stay or treatment, which come later in the relationship or during termination, not at the outset.