The nurse is counseling a 28-year-old client, Carol, who has ...

[crobinson2013]

The nurse is counseling a 28-year-old client, Carol, who has avoidant personality disorder.
 
  Carol has a good job and can superficially participate in social situations; however, she avoids them to the extent possible and frequently is anxious and lonely. Carol would like to accept a job promotion and eventually have a husband and family, but she cannot because of the symptoms associated with avoidant personality disorder. Which of the following therapeutic goals should the nurse establish as a priority?
  A) Carol will be able to accept her job promotion.
  B) Carol will experience increased self-esteem.
  C) Carol will explain the roots of her mental health problem.
  D) Carol will form a romantic relationship.

Question 2

The adult children of a woman with narcissistic personality disorder meet with the therapist as part of their mother's treatment. Which of the children's following statements describes behavior typical of the client with this disorder?
 
  A) My mother was always timid and fearful and we were never allowed to have friends over.
  B) My mother never had any family or friends over to the house.
  C) My mother was constantly threatening to commit suicide.
  D) My mother never saw me as a person with my own thoughts and problems.

[tennis14576]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: B
Feedback:
People with avoidant personality disorder have a pattern of social discomfort, timidity, and fear of negative evaluation. They are preoccupied with what they perceive as their own shortcomings and will form relationships with others only if they believe acceptance is guaranteed. People with this disorder often view themselves as unattractive and inferior to others and are often socially inept. The priority goal should address increasing the client's self-esteem.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: D
Feedback:
Clients with narcissistic personality disorder have a lifelong pattern of self-centeredness, self-absorption, inability to empathize with others, grandiosity, and extreme desire for the admiration of others. They feel that they are unusually special and often exaggerate their accomplishments to appear more important than they actually are. As sensitive as they are to the opinions of others, they are particularly insensitive to the needs or feelings of others and lack empathy.