Comprehensive exams for Mental Health Q 197
Tina with a histrionic personality disorder is melodramatic and responds to others and situations in an exaggerated manner. Nurse Trish would recommend which of the following activities for Tina?
A. Baking class
B. Role-playing
C. Scrapbook making
D. Music group
Correct Answer: B. Role-playing
The nurse would use role-playing to teach the client appropriate responses to others and in various situations. This client dramatizes events, drawn attention to self, and is unaware of and does not deal with feelings. The nurse works to help the client clarify true feelings & learn to express them appropriately.
Option A: A baking class would not work well with a histrionic client. Histrionic personality disorder, or dramatic personality disorder, is a psychiatric disorder distinguished by a pattern of exaggerated emotionality and attention-seeking behaviors. Histrionic personality disorder falls within the “Cluster B” of personality disorders. Cluster B personality disorders include conditions such as narcissistic personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. These personality disorders are commonly described as dramatic, excitable, erratic, or volatile. Specifically, people with histrionic personality disorder typically present as flirtatious, seductive, charming, manipulative, impulsive, and lively.
Option C: People with histrionic personality disorder may feel underappreciated or disregarded when they are not the center of attention. These people are typically the life of the party and have a “larger than life” presence. They may be vibrant, enchanting, overly seductive, or inappropriately sexual with most of the people they meet, even when they are not sexually attracted to them.
Option D: People presenting with histrionic personality disorder may demonstrate rapidly shifting and shallow emotions that others may perceive as insincere. Physical appearance may be used to draw attention to oneself by wearing bright-colored clothing or revealing garments. Those with histrionic personality disorder may speak in a vague style that lacks in detail. Furthermore, they may be dramatic and extremely emotionally expressive, even embarrassing friends and family with public displays of emotions.