A nurse is assessing a client who is withdrawing from alcohol. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply).

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.

The correct answer is choiced. "So, it seems that you feel responsible for what happened to your mother.”

Choice A rationale:This response attempts to reassure the son but may come off as dismissive of his feelings. It does not encourage further discussion or exploration of his emotions.

Choice B rationale:This response is overly reassuring and dismisses the son’s feelings of guilt. It does not address his emotional state or encourage him to express his concerns.

Choice C rationale:This response questions the son’s feelings directly, which might make him defensive. It does not validate his emotions or encourage him to talk more about his feelings.

Choice D rationale:This response acknowledges the son’s feelings and encourages him to express his emotions. It is a therapeutic communication technique that helps the son feel heard and understood, which is crucial in providing emotional support.