Question 1

Which client is a nurse most likely to admit to an inpatient facility for self-destructive behaviors?

Accepted Answer

A)  A client diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder 
B)  A client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder 
C)  A client diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder 
D)  A client diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder

Question 2

Family members of a client ask a nurse to explain the difference between schizoid and avoidant personality disorders.Which is the appropriate nursing reply?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Clients diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder desire intimacy but fear it, and clients diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder prefer to be alone." 
B)  "Clients diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder exhibit odd, bizarre, and eccentric behavior, whereas clients diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder do not." 
C)  "Clients diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder are eccentric, and clients diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder are dull and vacant." 
D)  "Clients diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder have a history of psychotic thought processes, whereas clients diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder remain based in reality."

Question 3

Which client symptoms should lead a nurse to suspect a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

A)  The client experiences unwanted, intrusive, and persistent thoughts. 
B)  The client experiences unwanted, repetitive behavior patterns. 
C)  The client experiences inflexibility and lack of spontaneity when dealing with others. 
D)  The client experiences obsessive thoughts that are externally imposed.

Question 4

During an interview,which client statement indicates to a nurse that a potential diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder should be considered?

Accepted Answer

A)  "I really don't have a problem. My family is inflexible, and every relative is out to get me." 
B)  "I am so excited about working with you. Have you noticed my new nail polish, 'Ruby Red Roses'?" 
C)  "I spend all my time tending my bees. I know a whole lot of information about bees." 
D)  "I am getting a message from the beyond that we have been involved with each other in a previous life."

Question 5

Which statements represent positive outcomes for clients diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A)  The client will relate one empathetic statement toward another client in group, by day 2. 
B)  The client will identify one personal limitation by day 1. 
C)  The client will acknowledge one strength that another client possesses by day 2. 
D)  The client will list four personal strengths by day 3. 
E)  The client will list two lifetime achievements by discharge.

Question 6

A client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder brings up a conflict with the staff in a community meeting and develops a following of clients who unreasonably demand modification of unit rules.How can the nursing staff best handle this situation?

Accepted Answer

A)  Allow the clients to apply the democratic process when developing unit rules. 
B)  Maintain consistency of care by open communication to avoid staff manipulation. 
C)  Allow the client spokesperson to verbalize concerns during a unit staff meeting. 
D)  Maintain unit order by the application of autocratic leadership.

Question 7

A client diagnosed with Cluster C traits sits alone and ignores other's attempts to converse.When ask to join a group the client states,"No,thanks." In this situation,which should the nurse assign as an initial nursing diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

A)  Fear R/T hospitalization 
B)  Social isolation R/T poor self-esteem 
C)  Risk for suicide R/T to hopelessness 
D)  Powerlessness R/T dependence issues

Question 8

When planning care for clients diagnosed with personality disorders,what should be the anticipated treatment outcome?

Accepted Answer

A)  To stabilize pathology with the correct combination of medications 
B)  To change the characteristics of the dysfunctional personality 
C)  To reduce inflexibility of personality traits that interfere with functioning and relationships 
D)  To decrease the prevalence of neurotransmitters at receptor sites

Question 9

The nurse plans to confront a client about secondary gains related to extreme dependency on her spouse.Which nursing statement would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Do you believe dependency issues have been a lifelong concern for you?" 
B)  "Have you noticed any anxiety during times when your husband makes decisions?" 
C)  "What do you know about individuals who depend on others for direction?" 
D)  "How have the specifics of your relationship with your spouse benefited you?"

Question 10

Which nursing diagnosis should a nurse identify as appropriate when working with a client diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

A)  Altered thought processes R/T increased stress 
B)  Risk for suicide R/T loneliness 
C)  Risk for violence: directed toward others R/T paranoid thinking 
D)  Social isolation R/T inability to relate to others

Question 11

Which characteristics should a nurse recognize as being exhibited by individuals diagnosed with any personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

A)  These clients accept and are comfortable with their altered behaviors. 
B)  These clients understand that their altered behaviors result from anxiety. 
C)  These clients seek treatment to avoid interpersonal discomfort. 
D)  These clients avoid relationships due to past negative experiences.

Question 12

Which adult client should a nurse identify as exhibiting the characteristics of a dependent personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

A)  A physically healthy client who is dependent on meeting social needs by contact with 15 cats 
B)  A physically healthy client who has a history of depending on intense relationships to meet basic needs 
C)  A physically healthy client who lives with parents and relies on public transportation 
D)  A physically healthy client who is serious, inflexible, perfectionistic, and depends on rules to provide security

Question 13

Which nursing statement reflects a common characteristic of a client diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

A)  "This client consistently criticizes care and has difficulty getting along with others." 
B)  "This client is shy and fades into the background." 
C)  "This client expects special treatment, and setting limits will be necessary." 
D)  "This client is expressive during group and is very pleased with self."

Question 14

A highly emotional client presents at an outpatient clinic appointment wearing flamboyant attire,spiked heels,and theatrical makeup.Which personality disorder should a nurse associate with this assessment data?

Accepted Answer

A)  Compulsive personality disorder 
B)  Schizotypal personality disorder 
C)  Histrionic personality disorder 
D)  Manic personality disorder

Exam 32: Personality Disorders