Which nursing diagnosis should be prioritized when providing care to a client diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder?
Social isolation RUT inability to relate to others
Risk for suicide R/T altered thought
Altered sensory perception RUT increased levels of anxiety
Risk for violence: directed toward others R/T suspicious thoughts
The Correct Answer is D
A. Social isolation R/T inability to relate to others
While social isolation may be a concern for individuals with paranoid personality disorder, the immediate safety risk associated with the disorder is more related to the potential for violence. Therefore, addressing the risk of violence takes precedence.
B. Risk for suicide R/T altered thought:
Paranoid personality disorder is not typically associated with a high risk of suicide. Individuals with this disorder are more likely to pose a risk to others due to their suspicious thoughts and mistrust. Suicide risk assessments are crucial but may not be the top priority in this specific case.
C. Altered sensory perception R/T increased levels of anxiety:
Paranoid personality disorder does involve heightened levels of anxiety, but altered sensory perception is not a primary characteristic of the disorder. Addressing anxiety is important, but the potential for violence toward others is a more immediate concern.
D. Risk for violence: directed toward others R/T suspicious thoughts:
This is the most appropriate priority. Individuals with paranoid personality disorder may have intense mistrust and suspicion, leading to the potential for aggressive or violent behavior directed toward others. Prioritizing safety and preventing harm to others is crucial in the care of clients with this disorder.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Risperidone (Risperdal):
Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic and generally has a lower propensity for causing anticholinergic side effects compared to typical antipsychotics.
B. Lithium (Lithobid):
Lithium is a mood stabilizer used primarily for bipolar disorder and does not typically cause anticholinergic side effects.
C. Buspirone (Buspar):
Buspirone is an anxiolytic medication and does not have significant anticholinergic properties. It tends to have fewer side effects compared to other medications used for anxiety.
D. Fluphenazine (Prolixin):
Fluphenazine is a typical antipsychotic medication and belongs to the phenothiazine class, which is known to have notable anticholinergic effects. These effects can include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary retention, and cognitive impairment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The voices are telling me to harm myself: This statement indicates command hallucinations with a potential for harm. It suggests that the patient is receiving directives to harm themselves, which poses an immediate safety concern. Implementing safety measures, such as close monitoring, removal of harmful objects, and involving appropriate professionals, is essential to protect the patient from self-harm.
B. I hear voices: While hearing voices (auditory hallucinations) is a symptom that requires assessment and intervention, the nature of the voices is crucial in determining the level of risk. This statement, on its own, does not provide information about the content or potential harm associated with the voices.
C. I see birds flying in the room: This statement describes a visual hallucination, which, while potentially distressing, does not necessarily pose an immediate safety risk to the patient or others. Visual hallucinations may be less likely to necessitate immediate safety measures compared to command hallucinations.
D. The voices don't stop and continue all day: This statement suggests persistent auditory hallucinations, but without information about the content of the voices, it does not specifically indicate a risk of harm. While it may be distressing for the patient, the urgency for safety measures depends on the nature of the auditory content.
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