Which nursing diagnosis should be prioritized when providing care to a client diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder?
Social isolation RUT inability to relate to others
Risk for suicide R/T altered thought
Altered sensory perception RUT increased levels of anxiety
Risk for violence: directed toward others R/T suspicious thoughts
The Correct Answer is D
A. Social isolation R/T inability to relate to others
While social isolation may be a concern for individuals with paranoid personality disorder, the immediate safety risk associated with the disorder is more related to the potential for violence. Therefore, addressing the risk of violence takes precedence.
B. Risk for suicide R/T altered thought:
Paranoid personality disorder is not typically associated with a high risk of suicide. Individuals with this disorder are more likely to pose a risk to others due to their suspicious thoughts and mistrust. Suicide risk assessments are crucial but may not be the top priority in this specific case.
C. Altered sensory perception R/T increased levels of anxiety:
Paranoid personality disorder does involve heightened levels of anxiety, but altered sensory perception is not a primary characteristic of the disorder. Addressing anxiety is important, but the potential for violence toward others is a more immediate concern.
D. Risk for violence: directed toward others R/T suspicious thoughts:
This is the most appropriate priority. Individuals with paranoid personality disorder may have intense mistrust and suspicion, leading to the potential for aggressive or violent behavior directed toward others. Prioritizing safety and preventing harm to others is crucial in the care of clients with this disorder.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Researchers have been unable to demonstrate a link between nature (biology and genetics) and nurture (environment): This statement is inaccurate. There is substantial evidence supporting the interaction between nature (biology and genetics) and nurture (environment) in the development of mental health conditions, including depression.
B. Medications are one way to address chemical imbalances. Environmental and interpersonal factors can also have an impact on biological factors: This is the correct answer. It acknowledges the role of medications in addressing chemical imbalances but also emphasizes the importance of environmental and interpersonal factors in influencing biological factors. This response aligns with a biopsychosocial model of understanding mental health.
C. Because biological factors are the sole cause of depression, medications will improve your mood: This statement oversimplifies the complex etiology of depression. Depression is a multifactorial condition influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Medications may be part of the treatment, but they are not the sole solution.
D. Environmental factors have been shown to exert the most influence in the development of depression: This statement is also incorrect. Depression is influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. No single factor is solely responsible for the development of depression.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The client will substitute a productive activity for rituals by day one: This outcome may be challenging to achieve within the first day, and it is important to set realistic goals. Moreover, focusing on substituting a productive activity might not address the immediate need to reduce ritualistic behaviors.
B. The client will refrain from ritualistic behaviors during daylight hours: This is an appropriate initial outcome. It acknowledges the challenge of completely eliminating rituals but sets a realistic goal of refraining from these behaviors during daylight hours. This allows for gradual progress without setting unrealistic expectations.
C. The client will participate in unit activities by day three: While participation in unit activities is a positive goal, it may be too optimistic to expect this within the first three days, especially considering the severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms.
D. The client will wake early enough to complete rituals prior to breakfast: This goal does not promote a reduction in ritualistic behaviors; instead, it may reinforce and accommodate the rituals. The aim of treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder is to reduce the impact of these rituals, not to support them.
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