A nurse is completing an admission assessment for a client who has narcissistic personality disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Rationale: A. Ritualistic behaviors are more commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder, where individuals feel driven to perform repetitive actions to reduce anxiety. It is not a characteristic feature of narcissistic personality disorder. B. Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder often have an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a strong need for admiration, and sensitivity to changes that threaten their self-image. Preoccupation with aging may occur because aging can be perceived as a loss of attractiveness, status, or superiority, which conflicts with their grandiose self-image. They may respond with distress, denial, or efforts to maintain a youthful appearance. C. Separation anxiety is more commonly seen in dependent personality disorder or separation anxiety disorder. It involves excessive fear of being separated from attachment figures, which is not characteristic of narcissistic personality disorder. D. Suspiciousness and pervasive distrust of others are hallmark features of paranoid personality disorder, not narcissistic personality disorder. Individuals with paranoid traits interpret others’ actions as malicious or threatening without sufficient evidence.