A nurse is caring for a client who has borderline personality disorder. Which of the following outcomes should the nurse include in the treatment plan?

Choice A reason: While verbalizing an improved mood is a positive outcome, it is not specific to borderline personality disorder and does not directly address the behavioral aspects of the condition.

Choice B reason: Hallucinations are not a typical symptom of borderline personality disorder; they are more commonly associated with psychotic disorders. Therefore, a decrease in hallucinations would not be a relevant treatment outcome for this condition.

Choice C reason:Encouraging personal hygiene supports general self-care but does not target the specific therapeutic goals for borderline personality disorder, which center on interpersonal effectiveness and emotion regulation.

Choice D reason: Teaching the client to articulate needs directly builds assertive communication and interpersonal effectiveness—core competencies in dialectical behavior therapy that reduce maladaptive behaviors and improve relationship stability.

Choice A Reason: The belief that a partner will not be violent in the future can be a form of denial or wishful thinking, especially without any evidence of change or intervention. It is not uncommon for individuals in abusive relationships to hope for change, but without concrete actions, such as therapy or other interventions, this hope does not indicate an improvement in the client’s situation.

Choice B Reason: Agreeing to an appointment with a social worker is a positive step towards addressing the situation and seeking help. Social workers can provide support, resources, and guidance, which can be crucial for someone experiencing partner violence. This choice indicates a potential improvement in the client’s psychological status as it shows a willingness to engage with support services.

Choice C Reason: A decrease in reported pain levels can indicate physical improvement. Pain scales are subjective but provide a measure of the client’s comfort and can reflect healing or the effectiveness of pain management strategies.

Choice D Reason: Requesting help to develop a safety plan is a proactive step in ensuring personal safety and preparing for potential future incidents of violence. It shows the client’s awareness of the risks and a desire to protect themselves, which is a positive indicator of psychological improvement.

Choice E Reason: While claiming responsibility for the physical altercation may seem negative, it can also be seen as the client’s attempt to make sense of the situation. It is important to note that responsibility for violence lies with the perpetrator, not the victim. However, recognizing the dynamics of the relationship and the events leading up to the violence can be part of the healing process and taking control of one’s life.