A nurse is caring for a client who has dependent personality disorder. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Perfectionistic: Perfectionism is more characteristic of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, where individuals are overly focused on order, control, and achieving flawless standards. Clients with dependent personality disorder are more focused on relying on others for decision-making rather than striving for perfection. B. Reclusive: Being reclusive, or socially withdrawn, is a common feature of avoidant personality disorder, not dependent personality disorder. Clients with dependent personality disorder typically seek out and maintain close relationships because they have an intense fear of being alone and unable to care for themselves. C. Impulsive: Impulsivity is commonly associated with borderline personality disorder, where individuals act without considering consequences. Clients with dependent personality disorder tend to be cautious and overly reliant on others for guidance and approval, rather than acting impulsively on their own. D. Submissive: Submissiveness is a hallmark of dependent personality disorder. Clients demonstrate extreme dependency on others for emotional and decision-making support, often avoiding disagreement and putting others' needs above their own to maintain relationships and avoid abandonment.