A nurse is assisting with a group therapy session and notes a client who remains silent. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Tell the client to leave the group if they cannot contribute. Forcing a client to leave due to silence is inappropriate and can increase feelings of isolation and anxiety. Clients should be encouraged to participate at their own pace. B. Allow the client extra time to think of a response. Some clients may need more time to process thoughts before speaking. Allowing extra time provides a supportive environment and respects the client’s comfort level in participation. C. Appoint the client to lead the discussion. Assigning a leadership role to a silent client may increase anxiety and discourage participation rather than help them feel included. Participation should be encouraged but not forced. D. Ask other group members to limit the number of responses. Restricting other members' participation does not address the silent client’s needs and may disrupt group dynamics. Instead, creating an inclusive and supportive environment is key to fostering engagement.