ATI LPN
Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice
Chapter 28 : Personality and Borderline Personality Disorder: Management of Emotional Dysregulation and Self-Harm Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with borderline personality disorder tells the nurse, I?m afraid to get on a train because we?ll probably get into a wreck. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Challenging the irrational fear by asking about the likelihood of a train wreck (
B) gently encourages reality-testing without dismissing the client?s anxiety, a therapeutic approach in BPD. Asking about past experiences (
A) may reinforce fear, dismissing the fear (
C) is invalidating, and suggesting alternatives (
D) avoids addressing the fear.
Question 2 of 5
A nursing instructor is preparing a class discussion on personality disorders and characteristics. Which term would the instructor include to differentiate personality disorders from normal personality? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,C,E
Rationale: Personality disorders are characterized by inflexible (
A), pervasive (
C), and distressing (E) patterns of behavior that deviate from normal personality traits. They are not short-term (
B) but enduring, and while unstable relationships or emotions may occur, ?unstable over time? (
D) is not a defining feature of the disorder itself.
Question 3 of 5
A group of nursing students is reviewing possible risk factors for development of borderline personality disorder. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which of the following as a risk factor? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E
Rationale: Risk factors for BPD include childhood sexual abuse (
A), parental loss (
B), family history (
D), and genetics (E), reflecting environmental and hereditary influences. Substance abuse (
C) is a common comorbidity but not a primary risk factor for developing BPD.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is observing a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder on the inpatient unit. Which of the following would the nurse most likely note?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clients with BPD often seek control in relationships (
C) due to fears of abandonment and emotional instability. Active group participation (
A), open verbalization (
B), and boundary adherence (
D) are less likely due to impulsivity and interpersonal difficulties.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client with borderline personality disorder. Which question would be most appropriate to assess the client?s level of impulsivity?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asking about regret after spontaneous actions (
B) directly assesses impulsivity, a core BPD trait. Questions about emotions (
A), perceptions of others (
C), or dissociation (
D) are less specific to impulsivity.