A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a client who is newly diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Which of the following interventions is the nurse's priority?

Choice A reason: Clients with borderline personality disorder are at high risk for self-harm and suicidal behavior. Protecting the client from self-injury is the priority intervention to ensure safety. Choice B reason: Redirecting violent behavior is important but secondary to preventing self-harm. Violence may occur, but self-injury is more immediate and life-threatening. Choice C reason: Encouraging expression of feelings is therapeutic but not the priority when safety is at risk. Emotional exploration can occur after stabilization. Choice D reason: Exploring reasons for behavior is useful for long-term therapy but is not the immediate priority in acute care.