A nurse is caring for a schizophrenic client who is exhibiting delusional thinking, visual hallucinations, suicidal ideations, and periods of depression. The nurse would recognize that the client is displaying which category of schizophrenia?
Psychotic disorder
Schizoaffective disorder
Paranoid disorder
Schizophreniform disorder
The Correct Answer is B
a. Psychotic disorder: Schizophrenia is a well-defined psychotic disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking, but it doesn't specifically address the mood component present in this case.
b. Schizoaffective disorder: Schizoaffective disorder is characterized by symptoms of both schizophrenia (such as delusions and hallucinations) and mood disorders (such as depression or mania). The presence of delusional thinking and visual hallucinations, combined with periods of depression and suicidal ideations, fits the profile of schizoaffective disorder.
c. Paranoid disorder: Paranoid disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of suspicion and distrust, but it doesn't necessarily involve hallucinations or disorganized thinking like schizophrenia.
d. Schizophreniform disorder: Schizophreniform disorder is similar to schizophrenia but with a shorter duration of symptoms (less than 6 months). The prompt doesn't specify the duration, making schizophrenia a more likely diagnosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
a. Anticipate the behavior and restrain when pacing begins: Restraint should be a last resort. Pacing might not necessarily lead to screaming, and early intervention should focus on de-escalation techniques.
b. Assess environmental triggers and potential unmet needs. De-escalation strategies should prioritize understanding why the client's behavior is escalating. Identifying environmental triggers or unmet needs (like pain, hunger, thirst) can help prevent further agitation.
c. Assess for potential injury: While assessing for injury is important, it should come after ensuring the safety of both the client and the staff by addressing the cause of the outburst.
d. Consult the psychologist regarding behavior modification techniques: Consultation is valuable, but immediate intervention to de-escalate the situation and understand the cause is the priority.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. "Focus on the feelings generated by the hallucinations and present reality." This approach validates the child's experience and feelings while gently orienting them to reality, which is a therapeutic communication technique.
b. "Ignore what they are saying, while attempting to discover the underlying cause." Ignoring the child’s statements can make them feel dismissed and could increase their distress. It is important to address their experience directly and compassionately.
c. "Present objective evidence that the voices are not real." Presenting objective evidence may not be effective as the child’s belief in the voices can be very strong, and this approach may lead to further agitation.
d. "Tell them to stop discussing the voices." This approach is dismissive and does not help the child manage their symptoms or feel understood. It is important to engage with the child’s experience constructively.
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