NURS 420 EXAM 9 | QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | 2026 UPDATE | WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS.
Onset and Clinical Course - ANSWER>-Relatively common (10%-20% of general population), Incidence higher in
lower socioeconomic groups
-40% to 45% of people with primary diagnosis of major mental illness also have coexisting personality disorder that
significantly complicates treatment.
-Often described as being "treatment resistant"
-Lack of perception by person that behavior is problem
-Sometimes, the behavior is a point of pride.
Etiology of Personality Disorders - ANSWER>-Personality develops through the interaction of hereditary
dispositions and environmental influences.
-Biologic theories: Temperament (traits: harm avoidance, novelty seeking, reward dependence, persistence)
-Psychodynamic theories:
,Character: Self-directedness (responsible, goal-oriented), Cooperativeness (integral part of society), Self-
transcendence (integral part of the universe)
Cultural Considerations - ANSWER>Judgments of personality must be viewed with consideration of ethnic, cultural,
and social background:
-Guarded or defensive behavior due to language barriers
-Religious or spiritual beliefs
-Different views of avoidant and dependent behavior
-Cultural value of work and productivity
-Gender roles and behaviors
Treatment -Pharmacologic: Personality Disorders - ANSWER>Psychopharmacology
-Cognitive perceptual distortions: magical thinking, odd beliefs, illusions, suspiciousness, ideas of reference, low
grade psychotic symptoms
-Affective symptoms and mood dysregulation
-Aggression and behavioral dysfunction
-Anxiety
, Treatment -Nonpharmacologic: Personality Disorders - ANSWER>Individual and group psychotherapy:
-Cognitive-behavorial therapy (cognitive restructuring techniques): thought stopping, positive self talk
-Dialectical behavior therapy (Borderline personality disorder)
Nursing Interventions: Paranoid - ANSWER>Serious, straightforward approach; teach client to validate ideas before
taking action; involve client in treatment planning
Nursing Interventions: Schizoid - ANSWER>Improve client's functioning in the community; assist client in finding
case manager
Nursing Interventions: Schizotypal - ANSWER>Develop self-care skills; improve community functioning; social skills
training
Nursing Interventions: Antisocial - ANSWER>Limit setting; confrontation; teach client to solve problems effectively
and manage emotions of anger or frustration
Nursing Intervention: Borderline - ANSWER>Promote safety; help client to cope and control emotions; cognitive
restructuring techniques; structure time; teach social skills
ANSWERS | 2026 UPDATE | WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS.
Onset and Clinical Course - ANSWER>-Relatively common (10%-20% of general population), Incidence higher in
lower socioeconomic groups
-40% to 45% of people with primary diagnosis of major mental illness also have coexisting personality disorder that
significantly complicates treatment.
-Often described as being "treatment resistant"
-Lack of perception by person that behavior is problem
-Sometimes, the behavior is a point of pride.
Etiology of Personality Disorders - ANSWER>-Personality develops through the interaction of hereditary
dispositions and environmental influences.
-Biologic theories: Temperament (traits: harm avoidance, novelty seeking, reward dependence, persistence)
-Psychodynamic theories:
,Character: Self-directedness (responsible, goal-oriented), Cooperativeness (integral part of society), Self-
transcendence (integral part of the universe)
Cultural Considerations - ANSWER>Judgments of personality must be viewed with consideration of ethnic, cultural,
and social background:
-Guarded or defensive behavior due to language barriers
-Religious or spiritual beliefs
-Different views of avoidant and dependent behavior
-Cultural value of work and productivity
-Gender roles and behaviors
Treatment -Pharmacologic: Personality Disorders - ANSWER>Psychopharmacology
-Cognitive perceptual distortions: magical thinking, odd beliefs, illusions, suspiciousness, ideas of reference, low
grade psychotic symptoms
-Affective symptoms and mood dysregulation
-Aggression and behavioral dysfunction
-Anxiety
, Treatment -Nonpharmacologic: Personality Disorders - ANSWER>Individual and group psychotherapy:
-Cognitive-behavorial therapy (cognitive restructuring techniques): thought stopping, positive self talk
-Dialectical behavior therapy (Borderline personality disorder)
Nursing Interventions: Paranoid - ANSWER>Serious, straightforward approach; teach client to validate ideas before
taking action; involve client in treatment planning
Nursing Interventions: Schizoid - ANSWER>Improve client's functioning in the community; assist client in finding
case manager
Nursing Interventions: Schizotypal - ANSWER>Develop self-care skills; improve community functioning; social skills
training
Nursing Interventions: Antisocial - ANSWER>Limit setting; confrontation; teach client to solve problems effectively
and manage emotions of anger or frustration
Nursing Intervention: Borderline - ANSWER>Promote safety; help client to cope and control emotions; cognitive
restructuring techniques; structure time; teach social skills
