A client with a diagnosis of paranoid personality disorder appears hypervigilant and sits alone in an isolated area of the unit. The client does not acknowledge other clients and often uses sarcasm when addressing staff. The nurse invites the client to attend a milieu group, but the client ignores the nurse's efforts. An appropriate nursing diagnosis for this client is which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client's behavior of sitting alone and not acknowledging others or interacting with staff indicates impaired social interaction, which is a common symptom of paranoid personality disorder. The client's use of sarcasm may also be a defense mechanism to maintain distance from others. While activity intolerance, fear, and powerlessness may also be present in this client, they are not the most appropriate nursing diagnosis based on the information provided.

A Client with a Diagnosis of Paranoid Personality Disorder Appears