A client who has borderline personality disorder is being discharged today. When the nurse makes morning rounds, the client begins the interaction by claiming the night shift nurse is aloof and expresses joy to see that, "My favorite nurse is on duty now." Which response is best for the nurse to provide to this client's dichotomous tendency?
"What did the night nurse do that makes you think the nurse is aloof?"
"Tomorrow I will talk to that nurse about how you were treated last night."
"I am happy that you are getting better and will be able to go home."
"I am glad you like me. Which nurse was acting aloof to you?"
None
None
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This response invites the client to describe specific behaviors, promoting reality testing and reducing global judgments. It shifts the focus to observable facts, encourages problem solving, and sets a neutral, nonjudgmental tone that helps manage splitting without taking sides or reinforcing dichotomous thinking.
Choice B reason: Promising to speak to the other nurse takes the nurse’s role beyond immediate assessment and may reinforce the client’s splitting by implying advocacy against staff. It avoids eliciting specifics, delays direct exploration of the client’s perception, and can undermine professional boundaries and accountability.
Choice C reason: Offering general reassurance about discharge does not address the client’s immediate interpersonal splitting or the complaint about the night nurse. It sidesteps the behavior, misses an opportunity for clarification, and fails to help the client examine or verbalize the concrete reasons behind their polarized view.
Choice D reason: Responding with flattery while asking which nurse was aloof can validate the client’s splitting and encourage manipulation or favoritism. It risks reinforcing the “favorite” dynamic and does not promote objective description of events or help the client process feelings in a therapeutic, boundary‑maintaining way.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: A blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is considered high normal and may not require immediate follow-up for a patient with a history of hypertension.
Choice B reason: A serum creatinine of 1.6 mg/dL is above the normal range for both males and females, indicating possible kidney dysfunction, which requires further follow-up.
Choice C reason: Dark yellow urine could be a sign of dehydration, which is common in diabetes, but it is not as concerning as an elevated serum creatinine level.
Choice D reason: Difficulty staying asleep could be related to various factors and may require follow-up, but it is not as urgent as abnormal laboratory values.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Waiting until after the procedure to assess for discomfort does not ensure client safety during the procedure itself. While pain assessment is important, it is not the priority safety intervention in this situation, especially since the client is already mildly confused and could disrupt the sterile field or injure themselves if not properly guided.
Choice B reason:Instructing a mildly confused client to keep their hands under the sterile field is likely to be ineffective and potentially dangerous. A confused client may not be able to follow or remember complex instructions, increasing the risk of contaminating the sterile field or causing injury. Instead, a nurse or assistant should physically stay near the client's hands to guide them.
Choice C reason: Pouring cleansing solution onto the sterile cloth field would contaminate the sterile setup, since fluids should only be poured into sterile containers or basins. This action could compromise the sterile field and increase infection risk, making it unsafe practice.
Choice D reason:Verification of informed consent is a critical safety intervention that must occur before any invasive procedure. Since the client is mildly confused, the nurse must ensure that the client had the capacity to consent or that a legal proxy provided it. Proceeding without verifying consent is a legal risk and violates the client's autonomy and safety protocols.
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