HESI Mental Health 2023 Related

Review HESI Mental Health 2023 related questions and content

A male client with borderline personality disorder is manipulative and consistently attempts to violate unit rules. What is the best approach for the nurse to take?

  • A. Enforce unit rules consistently with all clients.
  • B. Ignore the manipulative behaviors to avoid confrontation.
  • C. Provide the client with special privileges to avoid conflict.
  • D. Confront the client directly about his behavior.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct approach for the nurse to take when dealing with a male client with borderline personality disorder who is manipulative and consistently attempts to violate unit rules is to enforce unit rules consistently with all clients. By maintaining consistency in enforcing rules, the nurse establishes clear boundaries and provides structure, which are essential for managing manipulative behavior in clients with borderline personality disorder. Ignoring the manipulative behaviors (Choice B) may lead to the reinforcement of negative behaviors. Providing the client with special privileges (Choice C) can enable further manipulation and is not recommended. Confronting the client directly about his behavior (Choice D) may escalate the situation and is less effective than consistent rule enforcement.