A nurse is preparing to administer testosterone gel to a client who has hypogonadism. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: A quiet environment reduces sensory stimulation, which can elevate intracranial pressure (ICP) by increasing cerebral blood flow. Minimizing noise helps stabilize intracranial dynamics, preventing exacerbation of brain injury. This intervention supports neurological stability, critical in traumatic brain injury management to avoid secondary damage.
Choice B reason: Monitoring vital signs every 8 hours is inadequate for increased ICP, which requires frequent checks (e.g., every 1-2 hours). Changes in blood pressure or respiration signal worsening ICP, risking herniation. Infrequent monitoring delays detection of neurological deterioration, compromising timely intervention in brain injury.
Choice C reason: Coughing and deep breathing increase intrathoracic pressure, elevating ICP by impeding cerebral venous return. This is contraindicated in traumatic brain injury, as it risks worsening cerebral edema or causing herniation, potentially leading to severe neurological damage or fatal outcomes in affected clients.
Choice D reason: A 30-degree head-of-bed elevation promotes cerebral venous drainage, reducing ICP. This position optimizes cerebral perfusion pressure, minimizing venous congestion in traumatic brain injury. It is a critical intervention to prevent secondary brain injury, supporting neurological recovery by stabilizing intracranial dynamics effectively.
Choice E reason: Stool softeners prevent straining during bowel movements, which increases intrathoracic and intracranial pressure. In traumatic brain injury, straining risks exacerbating ICP, potentially causing herniation. This intervention ensures smoother bowel movements, maintaining ICP stability and supporting safe management of brain injury.

Choice A reason: Clients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) typically exhibit an unstable sense of self and tumultuous relationships, not stability. Their identity disturbances and fear of abandonment lead to chaotic interpersonal dynamics, making this statement incorrect as it misrepresents core BPD characteristics.
Choice B reason: Self-harming behaviors, such as cutting or suicidal gestures, are common in BPD due to emotional dysregulation and impulsivity. These actions serve as maladaptive coping mechanisms for intense emotions, aligning with DSM-5 criteria for BPD, making this the correct information to include.
Choice C reason: While group therapy can be beneficial, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), an individual and skills-based approach, is the primary evidence-based treatment for BPD. Group therapy alone is not the standard, as it may not address individual emotional regulation needs, making this statement inaccurate.
Choice D reason: Clients with BPD frequently experience mood swings and emotional instability, a hallmark of the disorder due to affective dysregulation. This contradicts the statement, as BPD involves rapid mood shifts, not stability, making this information incorrect for describing BPD characteristics.