A nurse is working with a patient who has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Which of the following is a priority goal in treating this patient?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Building emotional regulation skills. This is the priority goal because individuals with borderline personality disorder often struggle with intense emotions and have difficulty regulating them. By focusing on building emotional regulation skills, the nurse can help the patient manage their emotions effectively, leading to improved coping mechanisms and overall functioning. Improving cognitive distortions (choice B) may be important but addressing emotional dysregulation should take precedence. Enhancing socialization with peers (choice C) and developing coping mechanisms for distress (choice D) are important aspects of treatment, but building emotional regulation skills is foundational for addressing the core symptoms of borderline personality disorder.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitoring the patient for suicidal ideation, especially early in treatment. This is important because antidepressants can sometimes increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, especially at the beginning of treatment. By monitoring for suicidal ideation, the nurse can intervene promptly if necessary. Choice A is incorrect because abruptly stopping antidepressants can lead to withdrawal symptoms and worsening of the condition. Choice C is incorrect because antidepressants may take several weeks to start improving mood, so immediate improvement is unlikely. Choice D is incorrect because antidepressants are typically taken consistently, not just when feeling depressed, to maintain therapeutic levels in the body.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administering pain medication as prescribed and evaluating effectiveness. This is the most appropriate intervention because it directly addresses the patient's chronic pain by providing relief through medication. By following the prescribed dosage, the nurse can ensure the patient's safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Monitoring the patient's response to the medication allows for adjustments if needed. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding exercise may worsen the patient's pain by leading to muscle stiffness and reduced mobility. Choice B, recommending alternative therapies like acupuncture, may be beneficial but it may not address the immediate need for pain relief. Choice D, providing distractions, may offer temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause of the chronic pain.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because providing a safe, supportive environment for the patient to express their feelings is crucial in managing PTSD. This intervention promotes emotional processing and healing, validating the patient's experiences. Encouraging immediate discussion (A) may trigger distress; reassuring symptoms will improve (C) may invalidate the patient's feelings and delay seeking help; telling the patient to avoid thinking (D) can lead to avoidance behaviors worsening symptoms.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Countertransference. This relationship shows early signs of countertransference because the individual is projecting feelings and attitudes from their past relationship with their best friend onto Becky. The individual's desire to joke and laugh with Becky based on similarities to their best friend in high school indicates a potential unconscious emotional response. Countertransference occurs when the therapist or individual develops feelings or reactions towards the client based on their own unresolved issues or past experiences. In this scenario, the individual is experiencing countertransference by transferring emotions related to their best friend onto Becky. This can potentially impact the objectivity and effectiveness of the relationship. Summary: A: Accountability - Not relevant to the scenario. B: Self-reflection - Not applicable as the individual is not reflecting on their own behavior. C: Transference - Different from countertransference, as transference refers to the client projecting feelings onto the therapist, not the other way around.