A nurse is caring for a client who is unable to make any decisions for themself and needs constant reassurance. The nurse should identify that these are manifestations of which of the following personality disorders?

Choice A reason: Antisocial personality disorder involves disregard for others’ rights, impulsivity, and manipulation, not indecision or need for reassurance. These individuals act independently, often violating social norms, and lack the excessive reliance on others seen in the client’s behavior, making this choice incorrect for the described manifestations. Choice B reason: Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by social withdrawal due to fear of rejection, not indecision or constant reassurance-seeking. While avoidant individuals may lack confidence, their primary issue is social anxiety, not reliance on others for decision-making, making this choice incorrect for the client’s symptoms. Choice C reason: Schizoid personality disorder involves emotional detachment and preference for solitude, not indecision or reassurance-seeking. These individuals are indifferent to others’ input and rarely seek guidance, contrasting with the client’s dependent behavior, making this choice incorrect for the described manifestations. Choice D reason: Dependent personality disorder is marked by excessive reliance on others for decision-making and constant need for reassurance due to fear of abandonment and low self-efficacy. The client’s inability to decide and need for validation align with this disorder’s core features, involving submissive behavior and anxiety, making this the correct choice.