A nurse is teaching a client who is trying to conceive.
Which of the following should the nurse instruct the client to increase in her diet to prevent a neural tube defect?

Choice A rationale:

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a common complication of esophageal cancer and can lead to malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia. It is the priority finding because addressing the client's ability to swallow is essential for maintaining adequate nutrition and preventing complications.

Choice B rationale:

Xerostomia (dry mouth) is another common side effect of radiation therapy, but while uncomfortable, it does not pose an immediate risk to the client's health compared to dysphagia.

Choice C rationale:

Excoriation of the skin on the neck and chest is likely due to the radiation therapy and can be managed with appropriate skin care measures. Although important, it is not the priority compared to dysphagia.

Choice D rationale:

The client's self-reported pain level of 6 on a scale from 0 to 10 is concerning and requires attention, but addressing dysphagia takes precedence due to its potential impact on the client's nutritional status and overall well-being.

Choice A rationale:

Borderline personality disorder is characterized by impulsivity, unstable relationships, and mood swings. While individuals with this disorder may have concerns about details, it is not the primary characteristic of the disorder. The impulsivity exhibited by these clients is a more prominent feature.

Choice B rationale:

While individuals with borderline personality disorder may struggle with interpersonal relationships and may sometimes display seductive behavior, this is not a defining characteristic of the disorder. The primary concern lies in their impulsivity and emotional instability.

Choice C rationale:

Clinginess can be a feature of borderline personality disorder, but it is not the defining characteristic. The disorder is more accurately characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, marked impulsivity that begins by early adulthood and is present in various contexts.

Choice D rationale:

Borderline personality disorder is indeed marked by impulsive behavior, one of the key diagnostic criteria according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition). This impulsivity often leads to self-damaging behaviors, such as reckless driving, substance abuse, and unsafe sex. Including this information in the in-service is crucial for an accurate understanding of the disorder.