A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has appendicitis.
For which of the following findings should the nurse monitor as a manifestation of a perforated appendix and report to the provider?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should encourage the client to be assertive. Dependent Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior. One of the treatment goals is to help the client develop assertiveness skills to reduce their dependence on others. Encouraging assertiveness allows the client to express their needs and make decisions for themselves, which is an essential aspect of their therapeutic journey toward independence.

Choice B rationale:

Assuming responsibility for making the client's decisions would not be appropriate. It would further reinforce the client's dependent behavior and hinder their progress towards independence. The goal of therapy is to promote autonomy and self-reliance, not to perpetuate dependency.

Choice C rationale:

Maintaining a verbal no-harm contract with the client may be necessary in some cases, especially if the client exhibits self-harming behaviors. However, it is not a primary teaching point when educating the caregiver about managing a client with Dependent Personality Disorder. The focus should primarily be on helping the client develop assertiveness and self-reliance.

Choice D rationale:

Limiting the client's social interactions is not an appropriate intervention. Social support can be beneficial for individuals with Dependent Personality Disorder, as it can help them build self-confidence and reduce their excessive reliance on one individual. Isolating the client would not be in their best interest.

Choice A rationale:

Attending a support group to seek help and guidance for handling difficulties indicates the client's acceptance of having a new ileostomy. It demonstrates a proactive approach to coping with the challenges associated with living with an ileostomy.

Choice B rationale:

Having a partner empty the bag for the client to avoid looking at it may indicate avoidance or denial rather than acceptance. While support from a partner is essential, it's also important for the client to actively participate in self-care and adaptation.

Choice C rationale:

Looking forward to having normal bowel movements again may indicate a lack of acceptance or unrealistic expectations since having an ileostomy means a change in bowel function. The client should be educated about the permanence of the ileostomy.

Choice D rationale:

Wishing for a return to the pre-ileostomy sexual relationship may indicate difficulty accepting the changes in body image and function that come with an ileostomy. It may also suggest unrealistic expectations. The client should be encouraged to seek support and counseling for body image issues and sexual concerns.