A nurse on a mental health unit is caring for a client Exhibits The nurse is planning care for the client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: Clients with borderline personality disorder have a significantly elevated risk of suicide and self-harm. This client has a recent suicide attempt and a chronic history of non-suicidal self-injury. Assessing for current suicidal or homicidal thoughts is a fundamental safety intervention and prioritizes life-preserving needs. Frequent assessment prevents escalation of impulsive behavior, which is common with this disorder. Choice B reason: Bargaining with the client is inappropriate because it reinforces manipulation, a hallmark maladaptive behavior in borderline personality disorder. Bargaining undermines consistent limit-setting, leads to unstable therapeutic boundaries, and reinforces splitting behaviors. Therefore, it is not appropriate or therapeutic. Choice C reason: Clear, consistent boundaries provide structure that the client cannot maintain independently due to emotional instability and impulsivity. Limits reduce interpersonal chaos and help prevent episodes such as insulting staff impulsively, then panicking and fearing rejection. Structure allows the nurse to respond predictably, reducing anxiety and impulsivity. Choice D reason: Teaching coping mechanisms helps the client develop healthier responses to emotional distress, anxiety, and interpersonal triggers. Skills such as grounding, relaxation breathing, and guided imagery increase emotional regulation. Because this client reports chronic nervousness and difficulty sleeping and focusing, these techniques directly address distress and improve functioning. Choice E reason: Encouraging verbal expression of feelings reduces impulsive acting-out behaviors. When a client verbalizes emotions, they can process distress more effectively, decreasing maladaptive reactions such as outbursts or self-harm. This builds trust and supports therapeutic communication, a key component of care for borderline personality disorder. Choice F reason: Clients with borderline personality disorder benefit from clear consequences for unacceptable behaviors because it promotes responsibility and reduces impulsivity. Consequences must be consistent, firm, and non-punitive. This intervention strengthens boundaries and helps the client understand behavioral expectations in a structured environment.