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 ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
The correct answer/s is Choices A, B, and C.
Choice A Rationale:
Recent or impending moves can be a significant stressor for adolescents, disrupting their social networks, routines, and sense of belonging. This disruption can exacerbate existing mental health problems or trigger new ones, increasing the risk of suicidal ideation or behavior. Studies have shown that adolescents who relocate are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, all of which are risk factors for suicide. Additionally, the feeling of loss and displacement associated with moving can lead to feelings of isolation and hopelessness, further increasing the risk.
Choice B Rationale:
A sudden decline in school performance can be a sign of underlying emotional distress in adolescents. This decline may be due to depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems that can impede concentration, motivation, and overall academic functioning. Suicidal ideation or behavior can also lead to a decline in school performance as the adolescent withdraws from their usual activities and struggles to cope with their emotions. Therefore, a sudden drop in grades or academic engagement should raise a red flag for the nurse and warrant further investigation into the adolescent's emotional well-being.
Choice C Rationale:
The death of a parent at a young age is a major life event that can have a profound impact on an adolescent's emotional and psychological development. This loss can lead to feelings of grief, sadness, anger, and isolation, all of which are risk factors for suicide. Additionally, adolescents who lose a parent may be more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, further increasing their vulnerability to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The nurse should be particularly concerned if the death of the parent was recent or if the adolescent has not adequately processed their grief.
Choice D Rationale:
While low parental expectations can be a negative influence on an adolescent's self-esteem and motivation, it is not directly linked to an increased risk of suicide. In fact, some studies have suggested that high parental expectations can be equally detrimental to adolescent mental health. Therefore, while low parental expectations may not be a standalone risk factor for suicide, it is important to consider this factor in the context of the adolescent's overall psychosocial assessment.
Summary:
A recent or impending move, a sudden decline in school performance, and the death of a parent at a young age are all significant stressors that can increase the risk of suicidal ideation or behavior in adolescents. The nurse should be alert to these warning signs and conduct a thorough psychosocial assessment to identify any underlying mental health issues or risk factors. Early intervention and support can significantly reduce the risk of suicide and help adolescents cope with these challenging life events.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice b. Administer the morning dose of lithium.
Choice A rationale:
Preparing for gastric lavage is unnecessary because a lithium level of 1.0 mEq/L is within the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) and does not indicate toxicity.
Choice B rationale:
Administering the morning dose of lithium is appropriate as the current lithium level is within the therapeutic range, indicating that the medication is being managed correctly.
Choice C rationale:
Holding the medication and assessing for early manifestations of toxicity is not necessary since the lithium level is not indicative of toxicity. Toxicity typically occurs at levels above 1.5 mEq/L.
Choice D rationale:
Checking the client’s medication record to assess whether the client has been refusing her lithium is not relevant in this scenario because the lithium level is within the therapeutic range, suggesting compliance with the medication regimen.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.