Personality and Mood Disorders Q 107
The community nurse is following up on Mrs. Jenner who was hospitalized at Nurseslabs Medical Center due to depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, following the death of her spouse. In reviewing the client’s chart, the nurse notes that Mrs. Jenner has an Axis II diagnosis of dependent personality disorder. Which behavior would the nurse anticipate in this client?
A. Difficulty making decisions, lack of self-confidence.
B. Grandiose thinking, attention-seeking behaviors.
C. Odd mannerisms, speech, and behaviors.
D. Unstable moods and impulsive behaviors.
Correct Answer: A. Difficulty making decisions, lack of self-confidence
The client with a dependent personality disorder typically demonstrates anxious and fearful behavior and is reluctant to make decisions. Lack of self-confidence is reflective of chronic low self-esteem. It involves fear of being alone and often causes those who have the disorder to do things to try to get other people to take care of them.
Option B: Grandiose thinking and attention-seeking behaviors are characteristics of someone with a dramatic, emotional, erratic personality disorder, such as narcissistic personality. It is associated with self-centeredness, exaggerated self-image, and lack of empathy for others and is often driven by an underlying fragility in the sense of self.
Option C: Odd mannerisms, speech, and behaviors are characteristics of schizotypal personality disorder, in which odd, eccentric behavior is displayed. Schizotypal personality disorder features odd speech, behavior, and appearance, as well as strange beliefs and difficulty forming relationships.
Option D: Unstable moods and impulsive behaviors describe a borderline personality disorder. It is characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, emotions, self-image, and impulsive behaviors.