Psychiatric Medications Q 6
A nursing diagnosis for a male client with a diagnosed multiple personality disorder is chronic low self-esteem probably related to childhood abuse. The most appropriate short-term client outcome would be:
A. Verbalizing the need for anxiety medications.
B. Recognizing each existing personality.
C. Engaging in object-oriented activities.
D. Eliminating defense mechanisms and phobia.
Correct Answer: B. Recognizing each existing personality
The client must recognize the existence of the sub-personalities so that interpretation can occur. Review intervention guidelines for each personality disorder in this chapter. All clients are individuals, even within the same diagnostic category. However, guidelines for specific categories are helpful for planning. Identify behavioral limits and behaviors that are expected. Client needs a clear structure. Expect frequent testing of limits initially. Maintaining limits can enhance feelings of safety in the client.
Option A: Regardless of the clinical setting, the nurse must provide structure and limit setting in the therapeutic relationship; in a clinic setting, this may mean seeing the client for scheduled appointments of a predetermined length rather than whenever the client appears and demands the nurse’s immediate attention.
Option C: Minimizing unstructured time by planning activities can help clients to manage time alone; clients can make a written schedule that includes appointments, shopping, reading the paper, and going for a walk.
Option D: Cognitive restructuring is a technique useful in changing patterns of thinking by helping clients to recognize negative thoughts and feelings and to replace them with positive patterns of thinking; thought stopping is a technique to alter the process of negative or self-critical thought patterns.