A nurse is caring for a client.

Exhibits

Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client’s progress.

Choice A Reason:
Verbalizing an improved mood is a positive outcome, but it is not specific to borderline personality disorder (BPD). Clients with BPD often struggle with interpersonal relationships and emotional regulation. While mood improvement is beneficial, it does not directly address the core issues of BPD, such as difficulty in expressing needs and managing relationships.

Choice B Reason:
Attending to personal hygiene is important for overall health and well-being, but it is not a primary focus in the treatment of BPD. Clients with BPD may have issues with self-care during depressive episodes, but the primary treatment goals usually revolve around emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.

Choice C Reason:
Communicating needs is a crucial outcome for clients with BPD. One of the core challenges in BPD is difficulty in expressing emotions and needs effectively, which often leads to interpersonal conflicts and emotional distress. Improving communication skills can help clients build healthier relationships and manage their emotions more effectively. This outcome aligns with therapeutic goals in treatments like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which focuses on enhancing interpersonal effectiveness.

Choice D Reason:
Reporting a decrease in hallucinations is not typically associated with BPD. Hallucinations are more commonly linked to psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. While some clients with BPD may experience transient psychotic symptoms under extreme stress, these are not the primary focus of treatment. The main treatment goals for BPD involve managing emotional dysregulation and improving interpersonal relationships.

Choice A reason:
The statement "Don't worry about it. Your anxiety will lessen once the massage begins" is not appropriate. This response dismisses the client's expressed discomfort and does not address their concerns. It is important to validate the client's feelings and work collaboratively to find an acceptable alternative.

Choice B reason:
The statement "I will request that the massage therapist wear gloves during your treatment" is not a suitable solution. Wearing gloves may not alleviate the client's discomfort with being touched and could still cause anxiety. It is better to explore other treatment options that do not involve physical contact.

Choice C reason:
The statement "Why don't you like to be touched by others?" is not the best approach. While understanding the client's reasons can be helpful, this question may come across as intrusive or judgmental. It is more important to respect the client's boundaries and preferences.

Choice D reason:
The statement "I will tell your provider that you would like a treatment other than massage" is the correct response. This response acknowledges the client's discomfort and takes appropriate action to find an alternative treatment that the client is comfortable with. It shows respect for the client's preferences and ensures their needs are met.