A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and notices changes in the client’s behavior.
Which of the following behaviors is the nurse’s priority to report to the provider?

Meaningless phrases

Refusal to eat

Substance use

Decreased energy level

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Meaningless phrases are a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia and can indicate a worsening of the client's psychosis. This is a significant finding because it suggests that the client's ability to think clearly and communicate effectively is deteriorating.

Prompt reporting to the provider is crucial to ensure timely assessment and intervention, which may include medication adjustments or other therapeutic measures to address the worsening psychosis.

Early intervention is essential to prevent further decline in the client's mental state and to minimize the risk of harm to self or others.

I'll provide detailed rationales for the other choices, even though they are not the priority to report:

Choice B rationale:

Refusal to eat can be a symptom of schizophrenia, but it is not as immediate of a concern as meaningless phrases. It's important to monitor the client's nutritional intake and address any underlying causes of the refusal to eat, but this can typically be managed through nursing interventions without requiring immediate provider notification.

Choice C rationale:

Substance use can exacerbate schizophrenia symptoms and should be addressed, but it is not the priority to report in this scenario. The nurse should assess the client's substance use history and patterns, provide education and counseling on the risks of substance use, and collaborate with the provider to develop a treatment plan that addresses both the schizophrenia and the substance use.

Choice D rationale:

Decreased energy level can be a symptom of schizophrenia, but it is also a common symptom of many other conditions. It's important to assess the client's overall health and identify any potential causes of the decreased energy level, but it is not typically a priority to report to the provider unless it is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Answer and explanation

Choice A rationale:

Impaired judgment is a cognitive symptom of schizophrenia, not a positive symptom. It involves difficulties with decisionmaking, problem-solving, and understanding consequences. While it's a significant feature of schizophrenia, it doesn't reflect an excess or distortion of normal functions, which is the hallmark of positive symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

Dysphoria refers to a depressed mood or a state of unhappiness and dissatisfaction. It's a negative symptom of schizophrenia, characterized by a decrease or absence of normal functions. It's not considered a positive symptom as it doesn't involve an excess or distortion of normal processes.

Choice C rationale:

Disorganized speech is a hallmark positive symptom of schizophrenia. It involves significant disruptions in the way a person speaks and communicates. It can manifest in several ways, including: Derailment: Abrupt shifts in topic without logical connection

Tangentiality: Responding to questions in irrelevant or oblique ways

Incoherence: Speech that is fragmented and difficult to understand

Loose associations: Combining words or phrases in a way that lacks logical sense

Neologisms: Creating new words or phrases that have meaning only to the speaker

Word salad: Severely disorganized speech that is essentially incomprehensible

Disorganized speech is considered a positive symptom because it reflects an excess or distortion of normal speech processes. It's a core feature of schizophrenia and often has a significant impact on communication and social functioning.

Choice D rationale:

Anhedonia is the inability to experience pleasure. It's a negative symptom of schizophrenia, characterized by a decrease or absence of normal emotional responses. It's not considered a positive symptom as it doesn't involve an excess or distortion of normal processes.

A. “We are here to help you and give you the care that you need right now.” B. “You feel that you don’t belong here?” C. “Why do you feel that you need to leave?” D. “Try to take some deep breaths and I’m sure you’ll feel better.”

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A:

While this response is well-intentioned, it may not be the most therapeutic in this situation. It could be perceived as dismissive of the client's feelings and concerns. Clients with schizophrenia often have difficulty trusting others, and this response could reinforce the client's belief that they are being held against their will.

It's important to acknowledge the client's feelings and concerns, rather than simply stating that the healthcare team is there to help.

Choice B:

This response is the most therapeutic because it uses the technique of reflection. Reflection involves echoing back the client's feelings or thoughts, which can help them feel heard and understood. It can also encourage the client to elaborate on their concerns.

By reflecting the client's statement, the nurse validates their feelings and opens the door for further communication.

Choice C:

This response could be perceived as confrontational or challenging, which could further escalate the client's anxiety. It's generally more helpful to start with a more open-ended question or reflection.

Asking "why" questions can sometimes make people feel defensive or put on the spot.

Choice D:

While relaxation techniques can be helpful for some clients, this response is not appropriate in this situation. It minimizes the client's concerns and does not address their underlying feelings of fear and anxiety.

It's important to validate the client's feelings before suggesting coping strategies.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and notices changes in the client’s behavior. Which of the following behaviors is the nurse’s priority to report to the provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has depression. After two days of treatment, the nurse notices that the client is suddenly more active and there are no longer signs of a depressive state. Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend for the plan of care?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is sitting with a client who has schizophrenia. The client whispers to the nurse, “I’m being kept in this prison against my will. Please try to get me out.” Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is taking haloperidol. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?

A nurse in a community clinic is speaking to a parent who expresses concern for her adolescent son. Which of the following statements by the mother should indicate to the nurse that the adolescent is at risk for suicide?

A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia. Which of the following statements by the client demonstrates concrete thinking?

A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who has several new prescriptions for psychotropic medications. The client tells the nurse that she has always had trouble following a medication regimen. What should the nurse respond?

A nurse is discussing insomnia management techniques with a group of clients who have anxiety disorders. Which of the following techniques mentioned by a client requires further teaching?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has hypomania. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has schizophrenia and experiences paranoia with aggressive behavior. Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend to be included in the plan of care?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about a new prescription for lithium. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and notices changes in the client’s behavior.
Which of the following behaviors is the nurse’s priority to report to the provider?