A nurse identifies that theA nurse is educating a newly licensed nurse about comorbidities associated with cluster B personality disorders. The nurse should identify which of the following disorders as a comorbidity of histrionic personality disorder?

Choice A reason : Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. Individuals with this disorder may avoid work activities or decline job offers due to fears of criticism or rejection. However, they do not typically exhibit a need for constant reassurance or an inability to make decisions, which are more indicative of dependent personality disorder⁵⁶.

Choice B reason : Borderline personality disorder involves a pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity. While individuals with borderline personality disorder may exhibit dependency traits, they are more likely to engage in frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment and may have a pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships⁷⁸.

Choice C reason : Dependent personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation. Individuals with this disorder often require excessive advice and reassurance from others to make everyday decisions and may feel helpless when alone due to exaggerated fears of being unable to care for themselves. The need for constant reassurance and inability to make decisions align with the symptoms of dependent personality disorder¹²³⁴.

Choice D reason : Schizoid personality disorder is characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships, a tendency toward a solitary lifestyle, secretiveness, emotional coldness, detachment, and apathy. Individuals with schizoid personality disorder prefer to be alone and do not seek out social interactions or relationships. They do not typically display the need for reassurance or the inability to make decisions, as seen in dependent personality disorder¹²¹³¹⁴.

Choice A reason : Abdominal distension is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure due to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. Left-sided heart failure primarily affects the lungs, leading to respiratory symptoms¹.

Choice B reason : Jugular venous distention is typically a sign of right-sided heart failure, indicating increased pressure in the right atrium and venous system. It is not a primary symptom of left-sided heart failure¹.

Choice C reason : Dependent edema, or swelling in the lower extremities, is also more indicative of right-sided heart failure, where fluid accumulates due to poor venous return. In left-sided heart failure, fluid backs up into the lungs rather than the extremities¹.

Choice D reason : A hacking cough, especially when lying down, is a symptom of left-sided heart failure, as fluid backs up into the lungs causing pulmonary congestion. This can lead to coughing and shortness of breath, particularly during exertion or when lying flat¹.