A client has borderline personality disorder. Which Axis will the nurse document this information?

Choice A rationale: this response is dismissive and invalidating since it suggests that anger is a normal and expected feeling hence the client should not feel bad about it.
Choice B rationale: this statement is presumptuous and doesn’t offer help to the patient. Furthermore, the care provider should understand that everyone’s experience and reaction after a divorce is different.
Choice C rationale: this statement empathizes with the client’s feelings and emotions without making them feel judged and guilty for expressing their emotions. It also allows the client to share more about their experience if she wishes.
Choice D rationale: this response is very unrealistic and disrespectful since it does not address the patient’s feelings and emotions about the divorce but instead it tries to impose a positive outlook on her.

Choice A rationale: Axis 3 is used in the documentation of conditions, for instance, asthma, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus among others which are known to have effects on an individual’s mental health.
Choice B rationale: Axis 2 is used in the documentation of conditions affecting a client’s functioning such as personality disorders and mental retardation.
Choice C rationale: Axis 4 is used in the documentation of environmental and psychosocial issues contributing to a patient’s stress such as financial and family stressors.
Choice D rationale: Axis 1 is used to document clinical disorders that are the primary focus of management such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder among others.