A patient diagnosed with borderline personality disorder was hospitalized several times after multiple episodes of head banging and carving on both wrists. The patient remains impulsive. Which nursing diagnosis is the initial focus of this patient's care?

A) Self-mutilation
B) Impaired skin integrity
C) Risk for injury
D) Powerlessness

Question

Rajasekhar Reddy Boyapati · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :  The scenario describes self-mutilation. Self-mutilation is a nursing diagnosis relating to patient safety needs and is therefore of high priority. Impaired skin integrity and powerlessness may be appropriate foci for care but are not the priority related to this therapy. Risk for injury implies accidental injury, which is not the case for the patient with borderline personality disorder.

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