Provide an example of professional boundary violation.

• A. Engaging in a personal friendship with a patient
• B. Engaging in a team-building activity
• C. Providing clinical care within scope
• D. Following policies and guidelines

Answer: (A)

Understanding professional boundaries in nursing means keeping patient relationships strictly professional to protect patient welfare. A personal friendship with a patient crosses that line because it creates a dual relationship where personal interests could influence care. This introduces a power imbalance—the patient may feel obligated to please the nurse or may withhold concerns, and the nurse’s clinical judgment could be affected by personal feelings. It also risks confidentiality breaches and erodes trust in the patient–nurse relationship, which is built on safety, objectivity, and professional accountability. For these reasons, that example constitutes a boundary violation.

Engaging in a team-building activity with colleagues is a normal part of collaboration and communication in the workplace, not about the patient relationship. Providing clinical care within scope is necessary for safe practice, ensuring you’re delivering care you’re trained and authorized to perform. Following policies and guidelines supports consistent, ethically sound care and boundary maintenance.