When assessing a client diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, the nurse expects to identify which characteristic behavior?

Choice A Reason: Grandiose sense of self-importance This is the hallmark characteristic of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Individuals with NPD often have an exaggerated sense of their own importance and abilities. They may believe they are superior to others and expect special treatment. This grandiosity is a core feature of the disorder and is often accompanied by fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love. Choice B Reason: Pattern of intense and chaotic relationships While individuals with NPD may have problematic relationships, this characteristic is more commonly associated with borderline personality disorder. People with NPD may exploit relationships for personal gain, but their relationships are not typically described as chaotic in the same way as those with borderline personality disorder. Choice C Reason: Submissive and clinging behaviors Submissive and clinging behaviors are characteristic of dependent personality disorder, not narcissistic personality disorder. Individuals with NPD are more likely to exhibit domineering and controlling behaviors rather than submissive ones. Choice D Reason: Odd beliefs and magical thinking Odd beliefs and magical thinking are more characteristic of schizotypal personality disorder. While individuals with NPD may have grandiose fantasies, these do not typically include the bizarre or eccentric beliefs seen in schizotypal personality disorder.