A nurse is assisting in teaching a client who has been newly diagnosed with schizophrenia. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
Diagnosis typically occurs after 40 years of age.
Life expectancy is greater than the general population.
Co-occurring mental health illnesses are rarely diagnosed.
The need for resources increases as the disease progresses into adulthood.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Diagnosis typically occurs after 40 years of age. Diagnosis typically occurs in late adolescence to early adulthood, not after 40 years of age. While late-onset schizophrenia can occur, it is less common. The disorder usually manifests in the late teens to early 30s, with males often presenting earlier than females.
B. Life expectancy is greater than the general population. Life expectancy is lower than the general population due to factors such as increased risk of suicide, cardiovascular disease, and reduced access to healthcare. The presence of comorbid conditions and lifestyle factors, including smoking and poor diet, further contribute to a shorter lifespan.
C. Co-occurring mental health illnesses are rarely diagnosed. Co-occurring mental health illnesses are frequently diagnosed in individuals with schizophrenia. Conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders are common. These comorbidities can complicate treatment and impact overall prognosis.
D. The need for resources increases as the disease progresses into adulthood. The need for resources increases as the disease progresses into adulthood due to worsening functional impairment. Individuals with schizophrenia often require long-term support, including medication management, social services, and rehabilitation programs to maintain stability and quality of life.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. School-age: Schizophrenia is rare in children, and early-onset cases before adolescence are uncommon. Symptoms that resemble schizophrenia in children often require further evaluation for other neurodevelopmental disorders.
B. Young adulthood: Schizophrenia typically manifests between late adolescence and early adulthood, usually between ages 18 and 25 in men and slightly later in women. This period is when individuals experience their first psychotic episode.
C. Preschooler: Schizophrenia is extremely rare in preschool-aged children. Symptoms such as hallucinations or disorganized behavior at this age are more likely related to other developmental disorders or trauma.
D. Older adulthood: Late-onset schizophrenia is rare, and when psychotic symptoms emerge in older adults, they are often due to conditions such as dementia, delirium, or medication effects rather than primary schizophrenia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Lip smacking and tongue thrusting." These symptoms are more characteristic of tardive dyskinesia, a side effect of long-term antipsychotic use, rather than lithium toxicity. Lithium toxicity primarily affects the gastrointestinal and neurological systems. While movement disorders can occur with severe toxicity, lip smacking and tongue thrusting are not typical early signs.
B. "GI discomfort and poor coordination." A lithium level of 1.6 mEq/L falls within the mild to moderate toxicity range. Early signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fine hand tremors. Poor coordination, dizziness, and muscle weakness may also be present as lithium begins affecting the central nervous system. Prompt intervention, such as fluid management and dose adjustment, is necessary to prevent progression to severe toxicity.
C. "Blurred vision and jerking motor movements." Severe lithium toxicity (levels above 2.0 mEq/L) can cause neurological impairments, including tremors, muscle rigidity, and seizures. However, at a level of 1.6 mEq/L, symptoms are generally milder and include gastrointestinal distress and coordination issues. Blurred vision and significant motor dysfunction are more indicative of advanced toxicity.
D. "Fever and fluctuating blood pressure." Autonomic instability, including fever and blood pressure fluctuations, is not a common manifestation of lithium toxicity. These symptoms are more characteristic of conditions such as serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Lithium toxicity primarily presents with gastrointestinal, neurological, and coordination-related symptoms.
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