A nurse is planning care for a client who has dependent personality disorder. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

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 Choice B.

Choice A rationale: Worrying about a pimple, while significant for self-esteem, does not indicate an immediate risk. Addressing more serious concerns first is crucial, although self-esteem issues should be considered subsequently.

Choice B rationale: Expressing feelings of social isolation and dislike towards peers can indicate underlying mental health concerns, such as depression or anxiety. Addressing these feelings is a priority to provide support and prevent potential escalation.

Choice C rationale: Feeling that parents treat them like a baby can be part of normal adolescent development and is not typically a priority concern unless it significantly impacts the child's well-being.

Choice D rationale: Concerns about not having started menstruation are common and usually not immediately alarming unless accompanied by other signs of developmental delay. Reassurance and providing information can address this issue effectively.