Author Question: A client diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder is admitted to the forensic unit. ... (Read 66 times)

Zoey63294 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A client diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder is admitted to the forensic unit. Characteristic
behaviors for which the nurse should be alert include (more than one answer may be correct)

A. aggression.
B. callous attitude.
C. reclusive behavior.
D. anxiety.
E. clinginess.
F. perfectionism.

Question 2

A client being treated for depression has been taking 300 mg amitriptyline (Elavil) daily for nearly a
year.

She calls her case manager at the mental health clinic, stating she stopped taking her
antidepressant 2 days ago and has developed something like the flu, with cold sweats, nausea, a
rapid heartbeat, and terrible nightmares when she sleeps. The nurse should advise the client
a. to go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
b. not to be alarmed and to take two aspirin and drink plenty of fluids.
c. to take one dose of the tricyclic antidepressant and come to the clinic to see the
physician.
d. to resume taking the tricyclic antidepressant for 2 weeks and then discontinue
again.

Bsand8 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A, B
Rationale: The antisocial individual characteristically demonstrates manipulative, exploitative,
aggressive, callous, and guilt-instilling behaviors. Option C: Antisocial individuals are more
extroverted than reclusive. Option D: Antisocial individuals rarely show anxiety. Option E:
Antisocial individuals rarely demonstrate clinging or dependent behaviors. Option F: Antisocial
individuals are more impulsive than perfectionist.

Answer to Question 2

C
The client has symptoms associated with abrupt withdrawal of the tricyclic antidepressant. Taking a
dose of the drug will ameliorate the symptoms. Seeing the physician will allow her to discuss the
advisability of going off the medication and to be given a gradual withdrawal schedule if
discontinuation is the decision. Option A: This situation is not a medical emergency. Option B: The
situation calls for medical advice. Option D would produce the same symptoms she currently has.