A nurse is admitting an older adult client to the unit who has a suspected cognitive disorder. Which of the following inventories should be included as part of the admission assessment?

Choice A rationale:

(Correct) Severe anxiety can lead to a fight-or-flight response, which might manifest as aggressive behavior. The individual might feel threatened and react defensively, potentially displaying aggressive actions to protect themselves.

Choice B rationale:

Attention-seeking conduct is less likely to be a primary manifestation of severe anxiety. While individuals with anxiety might seek reassurance or attention, the level of anxiety described here is more likely to evoke a defensive response rather than attention-seeking behavior.

Choice C rationale:

Mild fidgeting can be a manifestation of anxiety, but in the context of severe anxiety, the physical symptoms are often more pronounced, including restlessness, trembling, and muscle tension.

Choice D rationale:

Mild difficulty problem-solving is less likely to be a prominent manifestation of severe anxiety. Severe anxiety tends to affect the individual's ability to function and cope, leading to more intense and immediate reactions.

The correct answer is Choice A: Give positive feedback when the client is assertive with staff or clients.

Choice A rationale: Clients with dependent personality disorder exhibit a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior. They often struggle with making decisions, expressing their opinions, and engaging in assertive communication. By providing positive feedback when the client exhibits assertive behavior, the nurse reinforces adaptive coping strategies and encourages the development of healthy interpersonal interactions. This approach fosters independence, self-confidence, and autonomy, ultimately promoting a better quality of life for the client.

Choice B rationale: Although setting limits is crucial in managing manipulative behaviors, it is not the primary focus for clients with dependent personality disorder. These clients tend to prioritize pleasing others and avoiding conflict over exploiting or manipulating other individuals. Instead, nurses should emphasize supportive interventions that foster self-reliance and assertiveness.

Choice C rationale: Close monitoring to prevent self-mutilation is not typically associated with the management of dependent personality disorder. This intervention is more relevant for clients with borderline personality disorder or those with a history of self-harm behaviors. Clients with dependent personality disorder may exhibit passive and avoidant behaviors but are less likely to engage in acts of self-mutilation.

Choice D rationale: Discouraging flamboyant or seductive behaviors is an intervention more suited for clients with histrionic personality disorder, not dependent personality disorder. Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behaviors, whereas dependent personality disorder primarily involves a lack of self-confidence and excessive reliance on others for decision-making and emotional support.