A nurse is caring for a client who is unable to make any decisions for themselves and needs constant reassurance. The nurse should identify that these are manifestations of which of the following personality disorders?

Choice A reason : While helping the client identify positive personality traits can be beneficial for self-esteem and long-term recovery, it is not the immediate priority during the acute withdrawal phase. The focus during this time should be on managing withdrawal symptoms and ensuring the client's safety¹.

Choice B reason : Providing for adequate hydration and rest is the priority intervention for a client in alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal can lead to significant fluid loss due to vomiting and sweating, and rest is essential for the body to recover from the physiological stress of detoxification. Ensuring the client is well-hydrated and rested can prevent complications and aid in the recovery process¹².

Choice C reason : Educating the client about the consequences of alcohol misuse is an important part of treatment but is not the immediate priority during withdrawal. Education is more effective when the client is stable and can participate actively in learning and discussion¹.

Choice D reason : Confronting the use of denial and other defense mechanisms may be part of the therapeutic process but is not the immediate priority during the acute phase of withdrawal. The nurse's immediate concern should be the physical stabilization of the client¹.

Choice A reason : Bradykinesia refers to the slowness of movement and is commonly associated with Parkinson's disease, not meningitis. It is characterized by a gradual loss of spontaneous movement and can affect the ability to initiate and continue movements¹.

Choice B reason : Brudzinski's sign is a clinical sign that suggests meningitis when neck flexion causes reflex flexion of the hips and knees. It occurs due to meningeal irritation caused by spinal cord movement or nerves against the meninges¹. This sign is considered positive when passive flexion of the neck results in reflex flexion of the hips and knees, indicating meningeal irritation².

Choice C reason : Kernig's sign is another clinical sign used to evaluate for meningitis. It involves extending and straightening one knee while the individual lies on their back with their hips and knees bent at a 90-degree angle. A positive Kernig’s sign indicates pain or resistance when the leg is extended, which suggests meningitis³. However, it is not the condition described in the scenario.

Choice D reason : Nuchal rigidity is an inability to flex the neck forward due to rigidity of the neck muscles. While it is a sign of meningitis, it does not involve the involuntary flexion of the legs as described in the scenario. Nuchal rigidity is typically assessed by attempting to flex the patient's neck forward while they are in a supine position⁴.