What is the nurse's priority assessment for a patient with borderline personality disorder?
Suicidal or homicidal ideations
Sleep patern changes
Impulsive behaviours
Only support systems
The Correct Answer is A
Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by instability in mood, behaviour, and self-image. Patients with borderline personality disorder are at a high risk of self-harm, suicide, and impulsive behaviours. Therefore, the nurse's priority assessment should be to identify any suicidal or homicidal ideations, as these can be life-threatening emergencies. Once identified, appropriate interventions should be initiated, such as suicide precautions, crisis management, and referral to mental health professionals for further evaluation and treatment.
While sleep patern changes, impulsive behaviours, and support systems are also important aspects to assess in patients with borderline personality disorder, they are not the priority when compared to suicidal or homicidal ideations.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Therapeutic communication involves actively listening to the client, demonstrating empathy, and using open-ended questions to encourage the client to express their thoughts and feelings.
Reflecting (option a) and listening attentively (option b) are both examples of effective therapeutic communication techniques as they demonstrate active listening and empathy.
However, offering advice (option c) is a barrier to therapeutic communication because it implies that the nurse knows what is best for the client and can solve their problems for them.
This can create a power dynamic in the nurse-client relationship and may discourage the client from expressing their true thoughts and feelings. Giving information (option d) can be an important aspect of therapeutic communication, but it should be done in a way that respects the client's autonomy and involves collaboration rather than giving directives.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine medication that acts quickly to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. It is commonly used as a PRN medication for acute anxiety episodes.
Amitriptyline (Elavil) is a tricyclic antidepressant that is not typically used as an as-needed anxiolytic medication due to its slow onset of action and potential for side effects.
Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that can be used to treat anxiety in certain cases, but it is not typically used as a PRN medication for acute anxiety episodes.
Escitalopram (Lexapro) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant that is not typically used as an as-needed anxiolytic medication due to its slow onset of action. It is usually taken on a daily basis to provide ongoing anxiety relief.
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