HESI Mental Health Related

Review HESI Mental Health related questions and content

A client with borderline personality disorder is admitted to the psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. The client frequently expresses feelings of emptiness and fears of abandonment. What is the most therapeutic nursing approach for this client?

  • A. Encourage the client to participate in all group activities.
  • B. Set clear and consistent boundaries while providing empathy.
  • C. Reassure the client that the staff will not abandon them.
  • D. Explore the client's past relationships in depth.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most therapeutic nursing approach for a client with borderline personality disorder, who frequently expresses feelings of emptiness and fears of abandonment, is to set clear and consistent boundaries while providing empathy. This approach helps manage the client's fear of abandonment and feelings of emptiness, which are common in borderline personality disorder. Option A may overwhelm the client in a group setting without addressing their specific needs. Option C, while well-intentioned, may not fully address the underlying issues and may create dependency. Option D delves into the client's past relationships, which may be inappropriate and trigger emotional distress in a vulnerable client.