Which response by the nurse may be viewed as judgmental and create dependency?

The response characterized as approval can be seen as judgmental and may foster dependency in patients. When a nurse offers approval, it can imply that the patient's feelings or decisions are only valid when they meet the nurse's standards or expectations. This dynamic can lead patients to become overly reliant on the nurse's validation for their self-worth and decision-making, rather than developing their own sense of autonomy and confidence.

In a supportive and therapeutic relationship, it is important for healthcare professionals to encourage patients to explore their feelings and thoughts independently. While validation and agreeing can provide support, they do so without imposing a judgmental stance. Belittling, on the other hand, can harm the therapeutic relationship by undermining a patient's self-esteem. In contrast, approval could unintentionally suggest that patients must seek external validation, making them dependent on the healthcare provider's opinion.