A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who is experiencing delirium. Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend?

A.The heart rate increased from 90/min on Day 1 to 110/min on Day 2, indicating tachycardia. This can signify an underlying issue, such as hypovolemia or sepsis, especially given the other concerning findings.

B.While the pain level increased from 3/10 to 6/10, pain itself is subjective and should be monitored closely. It may require adjustment in pain management but is not immediately life-threatening compared to other findings.

D.The client's confusion and slow response can indicate a change in neurological status, possibly related to electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, or infection. This is a significant finding that requires immediate attention.

C. The client's skin changed from warm and dry to pale, cool, and clammy, suggesting possible shock or hypoperfusion. This is a critical sign that needs to be communicated to the provider.

E.The respiratory rate increased from 18/min to 22/min, indicating mild respiratory distress. While concerning, it does not represent an acute emergency compared to other findings and should be monitored.

F.The blood pressure dropped from 126/78 mm Hg on Day 1 to 80/60 mm Hg on Day 2, indicating possible hypotension. This change could signify worsening clinical status, potentially indicating shock or significant fluid loss.

G.The urine output decreased significantly from 400 mL over 8 hours to 100 mL over 6 hours, indicating possible acute kidney injury or dehydration.

H.The client’s temperature has increased from 37.2°C (99°F) to 38.4°C (101.1°F), indicating a possible infection or inflammatory response.

I.The sodium level remains within normal limits (144 mEq/L) and does not show significant changes. Therefore, it does not require immediate reporting.

The nurse should identify that emotional dysregulation and fear of abandonment indicate manifestations of borderline personality disorder. Emotional dysregulation is a hallmark of borderline personality disorder (BPD), characterized by intense and rapidly shifting emotions. Fear of abandonment is a core feature of BPD, leading to anxiety and distress over perceived or anticipated rejection by significant others.

A. Tactile hallucinations: Tactile hallucinations refer to false perceptions of touch or physical sensations on the skin, which are not typically associated with borderline personality disorder. These hallucinations are more commonly associated with conditions like schizophrenia or substance-induced disorders.
B. Emotional ability: Emotional dysregulation is a hallmark of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Individuals with BPD often experience intense and rapidly shifting emotions that can be triggered by seemingly minor events. This emotional volatility can lead to difficulties in interpersonal relationships and impulsive behaviors.
C. Fear of abandonment: Fear of abandonment is a core feature of borderline personality disorder. Individuals with BPD often experience intense anxiety and distress when they perceive or anticipate rejection or abandonment by significant others. This fear can drive their behaviors, including efforts to prevent real or imagined abandonment.
D. Elevated body temperature: Elevated body temperature is not a characteristic manifestation of borderline personality disorder. Instead, it may be associated with medical conditions such as infections or inflammatory processes.
E. Increased heart: While emotional distress and anxiety are common in individuals with borderline personality disorder, "increased heart" is not a specific manifestation of the disorder. Anxiety and emotional distress can lead to physiological responses such as increased heart rate, but this is a general response rather than a defining characteristic of BPD.