As a nurse prepares to administer medication to a patient diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder, the patient says, "Just leave it on the table. I'll take it when I finish combing my hair." What is the nurse's best response?
a. Reinforce this assertive action by the patient. Leave the medication on the table as requested.
b. Respond to the patient, "I'm worried that you might not take it. I'll come back later."
c. Say to the patient, "I must watch you take the medication. Please take it now."
d. Ask the patient, "Why don't you want to take your medication now?"
ANS: C
The individual with a borderline personality disorder characteristically demonstrates manipulative, splitting, and self-destructive behaviors. Consistent limit setting is vital for the patient's safety, but also to prevent splitting other staff. "Why" questions are not therapeutic. See relationship to audience response question.
You might also like to view...
An older adult in the family practice clinic reports a decrease in hearing over a week. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. Assess for cerumen buildup. b. Facilitate audiological testing. c. Perform tuning fork tests. d. Review the medication list.
Which of the following statements is not true of older adult relationships?
a. After 50 years of marriage, a couple can face new and severe challenges to their relationship. b. Older adults often hold their families to-gether by arranging get-togethers and do-cumenting the family's history and rituals. c. Losing a brother or sister brings an older adult face-to-face with his or her own death. d. For older adults, friends can never take the place of family.
The nurse is reviewing pain medications prescribed for an older client. Which medications should the nurse question before administering? (Select all that apply.)
1. Nalbuphine (Nubain) 2. Meperidine (Demerol) 3. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 4. Propoxyphene (Darvocet) 5. Buprenorphine (Buprenex)
Which statements by the patient indicate the patient may be experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV)? Select all that apply
1. "My partner uses our children as messengers." 2. "My partner humiliates me in front of our friends." 3. "My partner gets upset at me for spending too much money." 4. "My partner will not allow my family to visit, and I cannot visit any of my friends." 5. "My partner gives me a weekly allowance and does not allow me to access our bank account."