A client is sent to the psychiatric unit for forensic evaluation after he is accused of arson. His tentative diagnosis is antisocial personality disorder. In reviewing the client’s record, the nurse would expect to find:
A. A history of consistent employment
B. A below-average intelligence
C. A history of cruelty to animals
D. An expression of remorse for his actions
Correct Answer: C. A history of cruelty to animals
Option C: A history of cruelty to people and animals, truancy, and setting fires with a diagnosis of conduct disorder in children, which becomes a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder in adults.
Option A: A client with an antisocial personality disorder does not hold consistent employment.
Option B: IQ is usually higher than average.
Option D: A client with antisocial personality disorder lacks guilt or remorse for wrong-doing.