Personality Disorders Overview

Questions and Answers

Which behavior is characteristic of a client with antisocial personality disorder?

Organizing belongings neatly

Clinging in relationships

Fear of separation

Manipulative behavior (correct)

What should a nurse do when caring for a paranoid personality client?

Challenge their irrational beliefs

Exhibit authoritative behavior

Appeal to their sense of humor

Appear non-threatening when speaking (correct)

How should a nurse prioritize care for a client displaying self-injury and violence?

Educate the client about their disorder

Maintain a culture of safety (correct)

Discuss their treatment options

Encourage them to share their feelings

What indicates an effective evaluation of a short-term goal in a client with a personality disorder?

The client verbalizes understanding of treatment rules Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant sign of distress in an OCD client?

Haphazardly strung belongings Signup and view all the answers

What is the most appropriate intervention for a nurse when a client with bulimia requests a second meal tray shortly after eating?

Monitor the client for signs of overeating Signup and view all the answers

What is crucial to communicate to a client regarding treatment for personality disorders?

There is no medication that can cure the disorder Signup and view all the answers

What is a goal for a client diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder?

To learn to verbalize hostile feelings Signup and view all the answers

What is an immediate follow-up concern for a client with anorexia nervosa?

Irregular heart rate Signup and view all the answers

What key characteristic is associated with narcissistic personality disorder?

Arrogance and grandiose views of self-importance Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal for children with ADHD?

To learn to be less intrusive and more mature Signup and view all the answers

What symptom would indicate a client with ADHD might need a prn medication?

Difficulty concentrating Signup and view all the answers

What should someone do after a client with an eating disorder finishes eating?

Accompany them to the bathroom Signup and view all the answers

What is Russell's sign indicative of?

Self-induced vomiting Signup and view all the answers

With respect to Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), when might a diagnosis not be accurate?

When symptoms are only observed at school Signup and view all the answers

For effective management of a child with autism spectrum disorder, what should be prioritized?

Maintaining consistency in their routine Signup and view all the answers

What feeling is commonly reported by individuals with binge eating disorder?

Guilt Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration when educating a child's family regarding DMDD?

The child's level of development Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary indication for using electroconvulsive therapy?

For those who have not responded to medications or therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which disorder is commonly associated with Tourette's disorder?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration for children and adolescents with Tourette's disorder when they are in social situations?

They may require 'tic time' afterwards Signup and view all the answers

What behavior is characteristic of a client with dependent personality disorder?

Exhibiting passivity and defaulting decisions to others Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT commonly associated with anorexia nervosa?

Excessive weight gain Signup and view all the answers

When caring for a client with attention deficit disorder (ADD), what is an essential nursing intervention?

Obtaining the child’s attention before speaking Signup and view all the answers

Clients with personality disorders typically exhibit which of the following traits?

Compulsiveness and inflexibility Signup and view all the answers

What nursing intervention should be performed for a client at risk for refeeding syndrome?

Monitor blood electrolytes closely Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of individuals with Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Attention seeking Signup and view all the answers

What nursing intervention is most appropriate for a client with Paranoid Personality Disorder?

Provide clear, calm statements Signup and view all the answers

What approach is recommended when caring for a client diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder?

Be firm, consistent, and empathetic Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant sign of depression in children?

Doing poorly in school Signup and view all the answers

How does Ritalin function in treating Attention Deficit Disorder?

Increases attention span and controls hyperactive behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What is a common long-term goal for someone diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Accept accountability for not breaking laws Signup and view all the answers

What aspect should families focus on when aiding a client with anorexia nervosa?

Support of treatment and family involvement Signup and view all the answers

What treatment is appropriate for a client diagnosed with conduct disorder?

Behavior contract Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial observation method for clients with anorexia nervosa who engage in binge-eating behavior?

Implement 1:1 observation during and after mealtimes Signup and view all the answers

What should be reported to the treatment team during an assessment interview?

Suicidal thinking Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is a common concern for clients with anorexia nervosa?

Fear of gaining weight Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical behavior for children and adolescents with Tourette's disorder in social situations?

Suppression of tics to fit in Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing intervention is essential when caring for a client at risk for refeeding syndrome?

Starting nutritional support at a controlled rate Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of individuals with dependent personality disorder?

Overall lack of self-confidence Signup and view all the answers

Which approach should the nurse use to effectively engage a child with attention deficit disorder (ADD) in therapy?

Obtain the child’s attention before speaking Signup and view all the answers

What is an important factor when assisting clients with problem solving in a therapeutic relationship?

Encouraging development of coping skills Signup and view all the answers

What tends to worsen tic behavior in children with Tourette's disorder?

Stressful situations Signup and view all the answers

What is a common emotional response of clients with personality disorders?

Inability to connect emotionally Signup and view all the answers

What is a short-term goal for a client with anorexia nervosa?

Set an obtainable weight gain goal Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is associated with a client with bulimia?

Binge-eating followed by purging Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is often present in a client with anorexia nervosa?

Extreme fear of becoming obese Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention should be prioritized when caring for a client with an eating disorder?

Supervise the client for at least 1 hour after meals Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary intervention for managing a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa?

Encouraging verbalization of feelings related to family roles Signup and view all the answers

What is an indication of difficult behavior in a child with ADHD that the nurse should monitor?

Engaging in risky behavior Signup and view all the answers

In caring for a child with disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, what should the nurse prioritize?

Ensure consistent teaching material Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the behavior of individuals with Histrionic Personality Disorder?

They seek attention through emotional and dramatic displays. Signup and view all the answers

Which sign indicates a serious concern for a client with anorexia nervosa?

Having an irregular heart rate Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of a client with Paranoid Personality Disorder?

Constant suspicion and readiness to defend against threats Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is commonly reported by individuals with binge eating disorder?

Feelings of guilt after eating Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing approach is most effective for a client diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder?

Adopting a firm, consistent, and empathetic stance Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of narcissistic personality disorder?

Grandiose views of self-importance Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended first-line treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)?

Stimulant medications Signup and view all the answers

What might a nurse question when assessing a client with autism spectrum disorder?

Implementation of electroconvulsive therapy Signup and view all the answers

In which age group is it inappropriate to diagnose a personality disorder according to the DSM?

Adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old Signup and view all the answers

What behavioral therapy technique is often employed for clients with anorexia nervosa?

Behavior modification Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with children experiencing depression?

Social withdrawal Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing intervention should be included in the care plan for a client at risk of severe eating disorders?

Implementing 1:1 observation during meals Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary long-term goal for individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Accepting personal responsibility for actions Signup and view all the answers

Which behaviors are indicative of a client with dependent personality disorder?

Excessive fear of separation Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant concern for a nurse when caring for a client with bulimia who requests a second meal tray shortly after eating?

The possibility of purging behavior Signup and view all the answers

What should a nurse prioritize when caring for a paranoid personality disorder client?

Maintaining a non-threatening demeanor Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential goal for a client diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder?

To express feelings in a healthy manner Signup and view all the answers

Which action should a nurse take when a client with a personality disorder displays signs of self-injury and violence?

Conduct a safety assessment immediately Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aligns with the treatment planning for clients with bulimia?

Involving the client in goal-setting Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a successful evaluation of a client with a personality disorder understanding treatment rules?

Client verbalizes understanding of consequences Signup and view all the answers

What is a key observation for nurses when managing clients who exhibit obsessive-compulsive behaviors?

A disregard for organization in belongings Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cluster A Personality Disorders

Characterized by odd, bizarre, and eccentric behaviors.
Includes antisocial personality disorder, marked by manipulative tendencies and disregard for social norms.

Cluster C Personality Disorders

Dependent personality disorder manifests as submissive, clingy behavior and fear of separation.

Nursing Priorities in Personality Disorders

Self-injury and violence require immediate attention from nursing staff.
There is no medication that can cure personality disorders; education about this is vital.
A client’s understanding of treatment rules is a positive step in short-term goal evaluation.

Client Safety and Follow-Up

Report any harm to self or others as a safety priority, necessitating prompt follow-up.
With paranoid personality disorder, clients display high levels of suspicion and defensiveness; non-threatening communication is essential.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Individuals feel a strong need to control their environment and maintain neatness.
Disorganized belongings can indicate distress requiring follow-up.

Antisocial Personality Disorder Management

Encourage clients to verbalize hostile feelings to develop better coping strategies.
Recognize concerning behaviors, such as requesting extra food shortly after meals in individuals with bulimia.

Eating Disorders: Bulimia and Anorexia

Bulimia clients typically maintain a normal weight, while anorexia nervosa clients have a BMI of 17 or less.
Bulimia treatment should include goal-setting involvement from the client and education on managing life control beyond food.
Fluoxetine (Prozac) can take up to two months for maximum effectiveness.
Monitor for irregular heart rates in anorexia nervosa clients, as this signals a need for immediate intervention.

Signs of Eating Disorders

Russell’s sign indicates self-induced vomiting; clients often express guilt related to binge eating.
Anorexia clients may have distorted body image, seeing themselves as overweight despite severe thinness.

Interprofessional Approach in Eating Disorders

Collaborate with dietitians for effective nutritional support and education on the physiological aspects of care.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

Symptom outbursts should occur in multiple settings for a legitimate diagnosis.
It's crucial to tailor education to the client's level of development.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Care

Involving parents during assessments for young children is essential due to comfort and trust issues.
Maintaining consistency with routines and special toys is crucial for children with autism.

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) Management

Difficulty concentrating often indicates a need for PRN medication and corresponds with decision-making challenges in children.
Providing smaller, manageable homework tasks helps with completion efforts.

Conduct Disorder and Personality Disorders

Childhood-onset conduct disorder is generally more severe than its adolescent counterpart, often leading to antisocial behavior in adulthood.
Establish behavior contracts to clarify expected behaviors and consequences.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Consider ECT for clients who do not respond to conventional medication or therapy.

Tourette's Disorder

Many children with Tourette's also have ADHD or OCD, and medication may include antipsychotics or alpha-adrenergic agonists.
Tics can worsen under stress, emphasizing the need for therapeutic relationships and problem-solving support.

Dependent Personality Disorder Characteristics

Clients may lack self-confidence, display passivity, and have a tendency to defer decision-making to others.

Nursing Interventions for Eating Disorders

Encourage expression of feelings in anorexia clients and apply behavior modification strategies for better control over choices.
Close monitoring is essential during mealtimes, especially for clients with history of binge-eating behavior, to prevent self-induced vomiting.

Family Engagement in Treatment

Educate families on the dynamics affecting anorexia nervosa, as family conflict can hinder recovery progress.
Encourage discussions about dependence/independence to help patients vocalize challenges within their family roles.