A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia.
Select the "3" findings that should indicate to the nurse the client is experiencing negative symptoms related to their schizophrenia.
Blood pressure
Lack of motivation
Change in behavior
Lack of energy
Withdrawn
Correct Answer : B,D,E
A. Blood pressure: A blood pressure reading (especially an isolated one) is not a psychiatric symptom and not related to schizophrenia symptomatology unless associated with medication side effects.
B. Lack of motivation: Also known as avolition, this is a hallmark negative symptom—reflected in the client's refusal to eat, drink, or attend therapy.
C. Change in behavior: This is too vague. While behavior changes are characteristic of schizophrenia, they could reflect either positive or negative symptoms and require clarification.
D. Lack of energy: Also referred to as anergia, it’s seen in the client's desire to sleep instead of engaging in activities and their slowed movements.
E. Withdrawn: Social withdrawal and isolation are common negative symptoms. The client avoids conversation and stays in bed, demonstrating a diminished interest in social interaction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Asking “Why do you think you are being lied about and poisoned?” encourages the client to elaborate on a delusion, which can reinforce the false belief rather than help the client gain insight. This response is not therapeutic.
B. Asking “Who is lying about you and trying to poison you?” validates the delusion by treating it as reality, which is not appropriate in managing psychotic symptoms.
C. Saying “You are mistaken. Nobody is lying about you or trying to poison you.” directly contradicts the client’s delusion. This approach can increase defensiveness and damage trust in the nurse-client relationship.
D. “You seem to be having very frightening thoughts.” is the correct response because it acknowledges the client’s emotional experience without validating or challenging the delusion. This promotes therapeutic communication by expressing empathy and encouraging the client to explore feelings in a supportive way.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "I don't like it when you address me with that tone of voice." is the most appropriate response. It is assertive and non-confrontational, addressing the behavior (the tone of voice) in a direct and respectful way. This helps to set boundaries while maintaining a therapeutic relationship. In individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), it's important to model appropriate communication and reinforce respectful interactions without escalating the situation.
B. "I know you can, but are you going to read it or not?" is not ideal. This response can come across as dismissive and confrontational, which might escalate the situation further. It doesn't address the emotional content of the client's response or attempt to de-escalate the behavior.
C. "Fine. Here is the schedule, and I will expect you to be on time to your therapies." could come across as authoritarian and disrespectful, which might increase the client's frustration or feelings of being controlled. It doesn’t offer a therapeutic or empathic approach.
D. "We do this every day. Why are you so angry with me this morning?" may sound accusatory and could potentially provoke defensiveness. It places the focus on the client's emotions without addressing the immediate behavior, and it might make the client feel invalidated.
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