Understanding personal biases about substance use helps nurses to

• A. Increase punitive measures for those with substance problems
• B. Build a non-judgmental therapeutic relationship with clients
• C. Ignore patient concerns about substance use
• D. Limit communication to factual data only

Answer: (B)

Recognizing and examining one's own biases about substance use allows a nurse to interact with patients in a non-judgmental way. When you set aside personal beliefs and judgment, you can focus on the patient’s experiences, needs, and goals, which helps build trust and a sense of safety. This kind of rapport makes patients more willing to share honest information about their use, triggers, and concerns, enabling an accurate assessment and collaborative care planning. A non-judgmental stance also reduces stigma and supports engagement in appropriate treatments, whether through brief interventions, motivational approaches, or referrals. In contrast, punitive attitudes, disregarding patient concerns, or restricting communication to only factual data can hinder rapport, discourage honesty, and limit the effectiveness of care.