When assessing a client diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, the nurse expects to identify which characteristic behavior?
A.
Submissive and clinging behaviors
B.
Grandiose sense of self-importance
C.
Pattern of intense and chaotic relationships
D.
Odd beliefs and magical thinking
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
B. Grandiose sense of self-importance
Explanation:
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Individuals with NPD often exhibit behaviors that reflect an exaggerated sense of self-importance, believing that they are special or unique and deserving of special treatment. This grandiosity is a core feature of the disorder and significantly influences the individual’s behavior and interactions with others.
Characteristic Behaviors of NPD:
- Grandiosity: This is the hallmark of NPD. Individuals with this disorder often overestimate their abilities and accomplishments and may have unrealistic fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, or beauty. They believe they are superior to others and expect to be recognized as such, even without corresponding achievements.
- Need for Admiration: People with NPD have an excessive need for admiration and validation. They require constant praise and recognition from others to reinforce their inflated self-image. This can lead to manipulative behavior, as they may seek to exploit relationships to gain admiration.
- Lack of Empathy: A lack of empathy is another defining feature of NPD. These individuals have difficulty recognizing or caring about the feelings and needs of others. They may disregard the impact of their behavior on others and often appear arrogant and haughty.
Incorrect Options:
- A. Submissive and clinging behaviors are more typical of individuals with Dependent Personality Disorder, where the person relies excessively on others for emotional and physical support.
- C. Pattern of intense and chaotic relationships is more indicative of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Individuals with BPD often have unstable relationships, alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation of others.
- D. Odd beliefs and magical thinking are characteristic of Schizotypal Personality Disorder. People with this disorder may have unusual perceptual experiences, odd speech, and eccentric behavior.
In clinical practice, recognizing the signs of NPD is crucial for effective management. Nurses may find that individuals with NPD are difficult to engage in treatment because they may not recognize their behavior as problematic. Understanding the underlying need for admiration and the lack of empathy can help the nurse navigate interactions with these clients, ensuring that care is delivered with both professionalism and sensitivity to the client’s complex psychological needs. Moreover, setting clear boundaries and maintaining a structured therapeutic environment are essential strategies in managing clients with NPD.