To minimize manipulation with a patient who has Borderline Personality Disorder, what staffing approach is preferred?

• A. Rotate staff frequently
• B. Assign same caregiver consistently
• C. Isolate patient
• D. Use only male nurses

Answer: (D)

A stable, predictable caregiver relationship helps reduce manipulative efforts by a patient with Borderline Personality Disorder. When the same nurse or therapist consistently interacts with the patient, trust can grow, boundaries become clear, and responses become more predictable. This reduces anxiety and the likelihood of testing limits or using manipulation to gain attention, because the patient experiences reliability and safety in the therapeutic relationship. Rotating staff tends to trigger abandonment fears and heightens the risk of manipulative behavior, isolation removes essential support and can worsen symptoms, and staffing by gender has no therapeutic basis and could lead to unequal care.