A nurse is preparing to administer a nasogastric (NG) tube feeding to a school-age child. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A. Splitting behavior: Splitting, or viewing people as all good or all bad, is characteristic of borderline personality disorder rather than histrionic personality disorder. It reflects difficulty integrating positive and negative aspects of self and others.

B. Emotional lability: Clients with histrionic personality disorder often display rapidly shifting emotions, exaggerated expression of feelings, and attention-seeking behaviors. Emotional lability is a hallmark feature, making this an expected manifestation.

C. Self-centered behavior: While clients with histrionic personality disorder may seek attention, overt self-centeredness and grandiosity are more characteristic of narcissistic personality disorder rather than histrionic traits.

D. Suspicious of others: Suspiciousness and distrust are typical of paranoid personality disorder. Clients with histrionic personality disorder are generally sociable and seek approval rather than displaying pervasive mistrust.

Rationale:

A. Asks the client what her plans are for follow-up care: This is an appropriate action that demonstrates concern for the client’s continuity of care and safety, even if she decides to leave against medical advice.

B. Asks the client to sign a form releasing the hospital from legal responsibility: This is standard practice when a client leaves against medical advice, as it documents that the client was informed of potential risks and chose to leave voluntarily.This action is appropriate and does not require the charge nurse to intervene.

C. Shows the client her abnormal laboratory results: Providing relevant medical information is appropriate to help the client make an informed decision about her care before leaving the facility.

D. Asks security to detain the client until the provider is notified: Clients have the legal right to leave a healthcare facility unless they are under specific legal or mental health holds. Detaining a competent adult against their will is unlawful and violates patient rights hence requiring intervention by the charge nurse.