The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who cut both forearms after learning that the psychiatrist was going on vacation. While changing the dressing daily, it would be advisable for the nurse to:
a. express sympathy and concern.
b. maintain a matter-of-fact attitude.
c. encourage discussion of the self-mutilation.
d. reassure the patient by stating, "I will not abandon you.".
B
A matter-of-fact approach does not reinforce self-mutilating behavior. Sympathy and unrealistic promises are not therapeutic for this patient. Any discussion concerning self-mutilation would be better introduced at a time when changing the dressing was not the focus of the nurse's attention.
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