Which statement aligns with the rules of holistic nursing?

• A. Always follow physician orders
• B. Take every opportunity to develop close rapport with patient family members or significant others
• C. Draw on personal intuition & creativity of the patient to resolve their own health problems
• D. You will develop clinical expertise (use it)

Answer: (B)

Holistic nursing centers on caring for the whole person and their lived context, including relationships with family and significant others. Building close rapport with patient family members helps nurses understand the patient’s values, beliefs, cultural background, and social supports. This collaboration ensures care plans align with the person’s desires and everyday life, supports shared decision-making, and strengthens trust, which are all fundamental to holistic care.

Following physician orders without considering the person’s unique preferences can miss the relational and values-based aspects that holistic care honors. Relying solely on the patient’s own intuition and creativity to solve health problems can overlook needed professional guidance and evidence-based support. Developing clinical expertise is essential, but it sits alongside these relational, patient-centered elements that holistic nursing emphasizes.