A 40-year-old male patient diagnosed with Schizoid Personality Disorder has been admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit. He consistently avoids group therapy, speaks minimally with staff, and prefers solitary activities. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to support this patient’s care plan?
Assign the patient as a leader in a small group activity to build confidence and self-esteem.
Confront the patient about his avoidance behaviors and insist on more social interaction with peers.
Provide structured one-on-one interactions that respect the patient’s need for limited emotional engagement.
Encourage daily participation in group therapy to improve social skills and reduce isolation.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Assigning leadership in a group setting may overwhelm a patient with schizoid personality disorder, as they are uncomfortable with close social interactions. This approach could increase withdrawal.
Choice B reason: Confrontation about avoidance behaviors is not therapeutic. It may heighten resistance and increase distress rather than encourage trust or engagement.
Choice C reason: Structured one-on-one interactions allow the nurse to build rapport while respecting the patient’s preference for limited emotional involvement. This is the most appropriate approach for schizoid personality disorder.
Choice D reason: Forcing daily group therapy participation may cause stress and withdrawal, as these patients are more comfortable with solitary activities. Gentle encouragement, not insistence, is better suited.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Nurses have a duty to protect potential victims from harm. Breaking confidentiality is justified to warn the intended victim and involve the healthcare team, consistent with the Tarasoff duty to warn principle.
Choice B reason: Warning the victim without involving the treatment team ignores the collaborative care process and may compromise safety planning.
Choice C reason: Waiting to act places the potential victim at risk and disregards the ethical duty to prevent harm.
Choice D reason: Maintaining confidentiality in this situation endangers others and violates the ethical principle of nonmaleficence.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This response is factual but does not promote engagement or address the client’s passive stance. It emphasizes the nurse’s role without encouraging participation or collaboration from the older adult.
Choice B reason: This statement makes an assumption about the client’s feelings, labeling them as “angry,” which may not be accurate. It risks creating defensiveness and does not foster open communication or trust within the group.
Choice C reason: This response inappropriately offers group leadership to a member without assessing readiness or interest. It minimizes the therapeutic structure of the group and could confuse roles, making the group less effective.
Choice D reason: This option balances the acknowledgment of the nurse’s leadership role with an invitation for the client to share personal goals. It encourages involvement, respects autonomy, and helps build a therapeutic alliance by showing interest in what the older adult wants to accomplish.
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