Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What behavior is the nurse likely to observe when assessing a client with paranoid personality disorder?

1. Open and playful demeanor

2. Rigid and controlled behavior

3. Highly expressive emotions

4. Fluctuating mood changes

The correct answer is: Rigid and controlled behavior

In assessing a client with paranoid personality disorder, the behavior that is likely to be observed is rigid and controlled behavior. Individuals with this personality disorder typically exhibit pervasive distrust and suspiciousness towards others, leading to a guarded and serious demeanor. Their interactions may be characterized by emotional detachment and a tendency to be defensive or hyper-vigilant. As a result, they often maintain a rigid posture and controlled responses as a means of protecting themselves from perceived threats or betrayals. The other behaviors, such as an open and playful demeanor, highly expressive emotions, or fluctuating mood changes, do not align with the typical presentation of paranoid personality disorder. Clients in this category are less likely to display warmth or openness due to their inherent distrust, and emotional expressions are generally subdued rather than highly expressive. Additionally, mood changes are not typically associated with this disorder, as it is characterized more by a consistent pattern of thought and behavior rather than instability in emotional states.