Which observation by the nurse is supportive of a diagnosis of avoidant personality disorder?

A. High-calorie, high-protein diet: Increased work of breathing elevates caloric needs, and protein supports respiratory muscle strength and tissue repair. Adequate calories and protein help prevent weight loss and muscle wasting.

B. Bland, soft diet: While easier to chew, a bland soft diet does not specifically meet the increased nutritional needs of COPD clients. It may be helpful in other conditions but is not the best choice here.

C. Low-fat, low-cholesterol diet: Although heart-healthy, this diet does not address the elevated energy and protein demands of COPD. Restricting fat unnecessarily can limit caloric intake, worsening malnutrition in these clients.

D. Low-sodium, high-calorie diet: Sodium restriction is more critical for conditions like hypertension or heart failure. In COPD, the emphasis should be on high-calorie and high-protein intake rather than sodium control unless comorbidities require it.

A. Client fears criticism from others, including staff: This supports a diagnosis of avoidant personality disorder. Individuals with this disorder are highly sensitive to criticism or rejection, which leads them to avoid social situations despite often desiring close relationships.

B. Client shows no remorse when accidentally breaking another client’s television: This aligns more closely with antisocial personality disorder, which is characterized by disregard for others and lack of empathy or remorse.

C. Client cries loudly whenever requests are denied: This is more consistent with borderline personality disorder, where emotional regulation is poor, and reactions to perceived rejection or frustration are intense and disproportionate.

D. Client talks about three failed marriages: Multiple failed relationships are more suggestive of borderline personality disorder, which is marked by instability in interpersonal relationships, not the avoidance and fear of rejection typical of avoidant personality disorder.