A client who has borderline personality disorder is being discharged today. When the nurse makes morning rounds, the client begins the interaction by claiming the night shift nurse is aloof and expresses joy to see that, "My favorite nurse is on duty now." Which response is best for the nurse to provide to this client's dichotomous tendency?
"What did the night nurse do that makes you think the nurse is aloof?"
"Tomorrow I will talk to that nurse about how you were treated last night."
"I am happy that you are getting better and will be able to go home."
"I am glad you like me. Which nurse was acting aloof to you?"
None
None
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This response invites the client to describe specific behaviors, promoting reality testing and reducing global judgments. It shifts the focus to observable facts, encourages problem solving, and sets a neutral, nonjudgmental tone that helps manage splitting without taking sides or reinforcing dichotomous thinking.
Choice B reason: Promising to speak to the other nurse takes the nurse’s role beyond immediate assessment and may reinforce the client’s splitting by implying advocacy against staff. It avoids eliciting specifics, delays direct exploration of the client’s perception, and can undermine professional boundaries and accountability.
Choice C reason: Offering general reassurance about discharge does not address the client’s immediate interpersonal splitting or the complaint about the night nurse. It sidesteps the behavior, misses an opportunity for clarification, and fails to help the client examine or verbalize the concrete reasons behind their polarized view.
Choice D reason: Responding with flattery while asking which nurse was aloof can validate the client’s splitting and encourage manipulation or favoritism. It risks reinforcing the “favorite” dynamic and does not promote objective description of events or help the client process feelings in a therapeutic, boundary‑maintaining way.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Encouraging the client to lie still during the assessment is not advisable as it does not provide an accurate representation of the client's functional abilities and needs during rehabilitation.
Choice B reason: While understanding episodes of sundowning can be part of a comprehensive assessment, it is not the action the nurse should implement during a functional assessment aimed at determining the client's physical capabilities.
Choice C reason: Assisting with values clarification about end-of-life care options is important but is not the primary focus of a functional assessment in a rehabilitation setting.
Choice D reason: Questioning the client about the frequency of falls is crucial as it helps assess the risk of future falls and the need for interventions to prevent them, which is a key component of functional assessments in rehabilitation settings.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Applying a water-soluble lubricant to the catheter is not recommended during tracheostomy suctioning as it may introduce contaminants.
Choice B reason: Instilling sodium chloride before suctioning is not a standard practice and can lead to complications such as edema.
Choice C reason: Wearing protective goggles is important to protect the nurse from potential splashes of bodily fluids during the suctioning process.
Choice D reason: Instructing the client to cough as the suction tip is removed is not recommended as it can cause discomfort and potential harm to the tracheal lining.
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