A mental health nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The client has a prescription for lorazepam 2 mg PO every 6 hr PRN anxiety.
For which of the following client statements should the nurse consider administering lorazepam?

The correct answer is choice B.

Choice A rationale:

“Behavioral contract.” While a behavioral contract can be a useful tool in managing certain behaviors, it is not typically the primary intervention used in the discharge planning for a client with borderline personality disorder.

Choice B rationale:

“Dialectical behavior therapy.” This is the correct answer. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that is specifically designed to help people with borderline personality disorder. It focuses on teaching coping skills to combat destructive urges, encourages mindfulness, improves relationships, and helps with emotional regulation.

Choice C rationale:

“Safety plan.” While a safety plan is important for all clients, it is not the primary intervention for a client with borderline personality disorder. A safety plan is more commonly used for clients who are at risk of self-harm or suicide.

Choice D rationale:

“Bibliotherapy.” Bibliotherapy, the use of books as therapy, can be a useful adjunctive treatment for some individuals. However, it is not typically the primary intervention used in the discharge planning for a client with borderline personality disorder.

Choice A rationale:

Suppression involves the conscious, intentional effort to push unwanted thoughts, feelings, or memories out of awareness. It is not evident in the client's statement, as they are not actively trying to forget or avoid their alcohol use. Instead, they are attempting to justify it.

Choice B Rationale:

Rationalization is the defense mechanism most clearly demonstrated in the client's statement. It involves creating false but seemingly logical reasons to justify unacceptable behavior or feelings. The client is attributing their alcohol use to external factors (their boss and job requirements) rather than taking responsibility for their own choices and actions. This allows them to avoid confronting the reality of their addiction and the need for change.

Key characteristics of rationalization that align with the client's statement:

Externalizing blame: The client places responsibility for their drinking on their boss and job, rather than acknowledging their own agency.

Minimizing the problem: The client suggests that their drinking was merely a necessary part of their job, downplaying the extent of their alcohol use and its negative consequences.

Avoiding negative emotions: By shifting blame, the client protects themselves from feelings of guilt, shame, and responsibility associated with their addiction.

Choice C Rationale:

Reaction formation involves behaving in a way that is opposite to one's true feelings or impulses. This is not evident in the client's statement, as they are not expressing overly negative or critical attitudes towards alcohol. Instead, they are attempting to justify their use of it.

Choice D Rationale:

Compensation involves overemphasizing a desirable trait or behavior to make up for a perceived weakness or deficiency. This is not evident in the client's statement, as they are not highlighting any positive qualities or accomplishments to offset their alcohol use.