A nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client who has schizophrenia. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a negative symptom?

A. Launder the child's clothing with fabric softener: Fabric softeners can contain chemicals and fragrances that may irritate the skin of a child with eczema. It's advisable to wash the child's clothing with a mild, fragrance-free detergent and avoid the use of fabric softeners.

B. Dress the child in woolen clothes during cold months: Wool can be irritating to sensitive skin and may exacerbate eczema symptoms. It's best to dress the child in soft, breathable fabrics such as cotton to minimize irritation.

C. Give the child bubble baths every day: Bubble baths can strip the skin of its natural oils and exacerbate eczema symptoms. It's recommended to limit baths to every other day or less frequently and to use lukewarm water without added bubbles or harsh soaps.

D. Apply a topical corticosteroid ointment to the affected area: This is the correct choice. Topical corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce inflammation and relieve itching associated with eczema. They help to control eczema flare-ups and manage symptoms effectively. However, it's important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions regarding the frequency and duration of corticosteroid use and to apply them only to the affected areas of the skin.

A. Repression: Repression involves unconsciously pushing unwanted thoughts, memories, or feelings out of conscious awareness. It involves burying distressing emotions or memories deep in the unconscious mind to avoid dealing with them consciously. In this scenario, the client's behavior does not suggest the repression of any specific thoughts or memories but rather a coping mechanism related to their current stress and anxiety.

B. Introjection: Introjection occurs when an individual internalizes the values, beliefs, or attitudes of others as if they were their own. It involves incorporating external standards or influences into one's own identity. While introjection may contribute to the client's behavior indirectly by influencing their beliefs about needing external support, the primary defense mechanism at play in this scenario is regression.

C. Dissociation: Dissociation involves a disruption in the integration of consciousness, memory, identity, or perception of the environment. It often manifests as a detachment from reality or a sense of being disconnected from oneself or the surrounding environment. While dissociation may occur in response to severe stress or trauma, it typically involves more extreme symptoms than those described by the client in this scenario.

D. Regression: Regression involves reverting to earlier, less mature behaviors or stages of development in response to stress or anxiety. It reflects a retreat to a more comfortable or familiar state in an attempt to cope with overwhelming emotions or situations. In this scenario, the client's statement about needing someone to take care of them suggests a desire to return to a state of dependency, which is characteristic of regression as a defense mechanism.