A nurse is building a therapeutic relationship with a newly admitted client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take during the orientation phase of the relationship?

A) Assist the client in expressing alternative behaviors: This action is more appropriate for later phases of the therapeutic relationship. During the orientation phase, the focus is on establishing rapport and trust rather than implementing behavioral changes. B) Establish the responsibilities of the nurse and client: Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of both the nurse and the client is a critical task during the orientation phase. This step helps set clear expectations, promotes understanding, and creates a safe environment for the client, which is essential for effective therapeutic engagement. C) Facilitate the client's problem-solving skills: While enhancing problem-solving skills is important in therapy, it typically occurs in later phases after trust and rapport have been established. The orientation phase is primarily about getting to know the client and their needs. D) Determine previous coping skills used by the client: Understanding past coping mechanisms is valuable, but this exploration is more suitable for subsequent phases of the relationship. The orientation phase focuses on initial assessments and building a connection, rather than diving into the client's history of coping strategies.