The nurse develops a care plan for a client with a diagnosis of a borderline personality disorder. Which interventions would be effective to help the client cope and control emotions? Select all that apply.
A Have client keep a journal of emotions and coping techniques.
B Decrease impulsivity.
C Encourage the client to delay gratification.
D Use confrontation techniques.
E Assist client with identifying their emotions.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct interventions for a client with borderline personality disorder (BPD) include:
A. Have client keep a journal of emotions and coping techniques.
B. Decrease impulsivity.
C. Encourage the client to delay gratification.
E. Assist client with identifying their emotions.
Explanation:
- A: Have client keep a journal of emotions and coping techniques: Journaling is an effective tool for clients with BPD as it helps them track and reflect on their emotions, identify patterns, and apply coping mechanisms. It encourages self-awareness and provides a constructive way to process difficult feelings.
- B: Decrease impulsivity: Impulsivity is a common characteristic of BPD and can lead to risky behaviors such as substance abuse, self-harm, and reckless decision-making. Interventions to reduce impulsivity, such as teaching mindfulness or distress tolerance techniques, can help the client better control their actions and reactions.
- C: Encourage the client to delay gratification: Teaching clients to delay gratification can help them better regulate their emotions and avoid impulsive decisions. This is often done through techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, or practicing self-control in low-risk situations.
- E: Assist client with identifying their emotions: Clients with BPD often have difficulty identifying and labeling their emotions, which can lead to emotional dysregulation. Helping clients recognize and name their feelings can aid in emotional self-regulation and improve coping strategies.
Incorrect Intervention:
D: Use confrontation techniques: Confrontation is not recommended for individuals with BPD. It can lead to increased defensiveness, emotional escalation, and strained therapeutic relationships. Instead, validating the client’s emotions and using supportive, non-confrontational techniques is more effective in building trust and fostering emotional growth.
In summary, interventions aimed at increasing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and impulse control are essential for clients with BPD to help them cope and manage their emotions effectively.