Author Question: A client who has a diagnosis of histrionic personality disorder has an established pattern of ... (Read 74 times)

theo · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A client who has a diagnosis of histrionic personality disorder has an established pattern of portraying herself as the exception to the rule in the course of her care and treatment.

Today, the client has returned to the inpatient unit and has been confronted by the nurse with the fact that she neither got a pass nor told anyone that she was leaving. The client has responded, But those rules are more for the schizophrenics and crazy people, right? How should the nurse respond?

A) Even though there's no real safety risk in your case, I'd appreciate it if you tried to remember next time.
B) The rules apply to everybody equally and you're expected to follow them.
C) If you want an exemption, I can ask the psychiatrist but there are no guarantees.
D) What would make you think that? You're supposed to behave the same as anyone else here.

Question 2

The nurse is providing care for a client who has been diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. Which of the following outcomes should the nurse prioritize when planning this client's care?

A) The client will exhibit increased impulse control.
B) The client will be free from self-inflicted harm.
C) The client will establish an adequate balance of rest, sleep, and activity.
D) The client will use the support system without becoming overly dependent on it.

onowka · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: B
Direct, specific, and nonaggressive limit-setting is the most appropriate approach to managing the behaviors and manifestations of clients with personality disorders. Attempting to foster an exception to the rule or responding emotionally is inappropriate and likely ineffective.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: A
Persons with antisocial personality disorder lack the impulse control to refrain from acts that provide them with immediate gratification. Such individuals often harm others, though not themselves, and are unlikely to become overly dependent on other people or systems. The need to control impulses supersedes the need to normalize sleep, rest, and activity.