A nurse is planning care for a client who has dependent personality disorder. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Set limits to prevent exploitation of other clients.
Monitor the client closely to prevent self-mutilation.
Give positive feedback when the client is assertive with staff or clients.
Discourage flamboyant or seductive behaviors.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer/s is:
C. Give positive feedback when the client is assertive with staff or clients.
Rationale for Choice A:
While setting limits is an important aspect of nursing care, it's not specifically targeted towards the core challenges of dependent personality disorder. The primary concern in this case is the client's excessive reliance on others and inability to function independently. Setting limits might be perceived as a rejection or abandonment, potentially exacerbating the client's distress and anxiety. Additionally, focusing on preventing the exploitation of other clients shifts the attention away from the client's individual needs and goals.
Rationale for Choice B:
While self-mutilation is a potential risk in some individuals with dependent personality disorder, it's not a defining characteristic or the most prevalent concern. Continuous close monitoring can be intrusive and undermine the client's sense of autonomy. It's more effective to build trust and establish open communication where the client feels comfortable expressing distress and seeking help before resorting to self-harm.
Rationale for Choice C:
Assertiveness is a key skill to cultivate in individuals with dependent personality disorder. It empowers them to express their needs and desires appropriately, reducing their reliance on others and fostering healthy relationships. Offering positive reinforcement when the client exhibits assertive behavior, even in small steps, strengthens this skill and motivates them to continue their progress. This positive reinforcement approach aligns with therapeutic interventions for dependent personality disorder, which focus on building self-confidence and fostering independent functioning.
Rationale for Choice D:
Discouraging flamboyant or seductive behaviors might seem relevant because some individuals with dependent personality disorder might resort to attention-seeking tactics. However, such an approach risks shaming or judging the client, potentially increasing their feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. It's important to understand the underlying reason behind these behaviors, which could be a desperate attempt to gain approval or validation. Addressing the core issue of low self-esteem and encouraging authentic self-expression are more productive strategies than simply suppressing certain behaviors.
Additional Notes:
In addition to the rationales for each choice, it's important to consider the overall treatment goals for dependent personality disorder. These goals typically include:
Reduced dependence on others: Encouraging the client to take responsibility for their own needs and decisions. Improved assertiveness skills: Enabling the client to express their wishes and opinions confidently.
Enhanced self-esteem: Building the client's confidence and sense of self-worth.
Developing healthy relationships: Fostering interactions based on mutual respect and independence.
When planning care for a client with dependent personality disorder, the nurse should collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as therapists and social workers, to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Dissociation is a defense mechanism where a person disconnects from reality, memory, identity, or perception. It is often a response to trauma and can result in a detachment from emotional and physical experiences. The client’s behavior does not indicate a disconnection from reality or self.
Choice B rationale: Regression is a defense mechanism where an individual reverts to an earlier stage of development in response to stress or anxiety. In this case, the client’s behavior of wanting someone to take care of them can be seen as a regression to a childlike state of dependency, which is a common response to overwhelming stress or anxiety.
Choice C rationale: Introjection is a defense mechanism where a person internalizes the ideas or voices of other people- often authority figures. This is not evident in the client’s behavior.
Choice D rationale: Repression is a defense mechanism where a person unconsciously blocks out distressing thoughts or feelings. In this scenario, the client is expressing their feelings of stress rather than repressing them.
Correct Answer is ["B","D","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Personality disorders are not typically considered to be comorbidities of eating disorders. While some personality traits, such as perfectionism and obsessiveness, may be more common in individuals with eating disorders, these traits do not necessarily
constitute a personality disorder. Additionally, the presence of a personality disorder does not typically increase the risk of developing an eating disorder.
Choice B rationale:
Depression is one of the most common comorbidities associated with eating disorders. Studies have shown that up to 50% of individuals with eating disorders also experience depression. The relationship between eating disorders and depression is complex and bidirectional. Depression can contribute to the development of an eating disorder, and the behaviors associated with eating disorders can also worsen depression.
Choice C rationale:
Breathing-related sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, are not typically associated with eating disorders. While some individuals with eating disorders may experience sleep disturbances, these disturbances are more likely to be related to other factors, such as anxiety or depression.
Choice D rationale:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is another common comorbidity of eating disorders. Studies have shown that up to 30% of individuals with eating disorders also have OCD. The symptoms of OCD, such as obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, can overlap with the symptoms of eating disorders. For example, an individual with OCD may have obsessive thoughts about food and weight, and they may engage in compulsive behaviors related to eating, such as calorie counting or food restriction.
Choice E rationale:
Schizophrenia is not typically associated with eating disorders. While some individuals with schizophrenia may experience disturbances in eating behavior, these disturbances are more likely to be related to other symptoms of the disorder, such as delusions or hallucinations.
Choice F rationale:
Anxiety is another common comorbidity of eating disorders. Studies have shown that up to 60% of individuals with eating disorders also experience anxiety disorders. Anxiety can contribute to the development of an eating disorder, and the behaviors associated with eating disorders can also worsen anxiety.
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