What are professional boundaries in nursing, and which example illustrates a dual relationship to avoid?

• A. Professional boundaries are limits on the nurse-patient relationship to preserve objectivity and safety; avoid dual relationships such as treating a patient with romantic interest or accepting personal favors.
• B. Professional boundaries are personal preferences while caring for patients; dual relationships are acceptable if both parties agree.
• C. Professional boundaries refer to legal boundaries only; dual relationships include nurses dating outside work.
• D. Professional boundaries mean following hospital rules only; dual relationships include accepting meals from patients.

Answer: (B)

Professional boundaries in nursing establish clear limits on the nurse-patient relationship to protect patient safety, maintain objectivity, and preserve trust. A dual relationship is when the nurse takes on another role with the patient that could cloud judgment or exploit vulnerability—common examples include romantic involvement with a patient or accepting personal favors. Those boundaries should be avoided because they create conflicts of interest, power imbalances, and risks of harm to the patient and to professional integrity. The view that boundaries are just personal preferences and that dual relationships are acceptable if both parties agree is incorrect, because boundaries are professional standards, not negotiable personal choices, and mutual consent does not eliminate potential harm. Boundaries go beyond legality or hospital rules; they reflect ethical nursing practice and help ensure safe, focused patient care.