A nurse in the emergency department tells an adult, "Your mother had a serious stroke." The adult tearfully says, "Who will take care of me now?" Which personality disorder does this behavior best describe?

A. Narcissistic Personality: Individuals with narcissistic traits typically respond with self-centeredness, entitlement, or lack of empathy, but their concern is more about admiration and status than about losing a caretaker. B. Antisocial Personality: Antisocial personality disorder is marked by disregard for others’ rights, impulsivity, and lack of remorse. The client’s tearful plea for care reflects dependence rather than manipulative or exploitative antisocial traits. C. Borderline Personality: Borderline personality disorder involves intense fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, and emotional instability. While fear of being left alone can occur, the focus here is more on helplessness and inability to cope without support. D. Dependent Personality: This disorder is characterized by excessive reliance on others for support, decision-making, and care. The client’s immediate concern about who will take care of them following their mother’s stroke reflects classic dependent personality features.