A nurse on a postpartum unit is caring for a client. For each finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with uterine atony or infection.

Exhibits

Each finding may support more than 1 disease process or none at all. There must be at least 1 selection in every column. There does not need to be a selection in every row. Note: Each column must have at least 1 response option selected

Rationale:

A. "Client in room 303 is requesting snacks between meals.": While client preferences are important, this information is non-urgent and can be communicated through care plans or written notes. It does not directly impact immediate nursing care during a shift change.

B. "Client in room 304 has a laptop that they use for relaxation.": This is personal, non-clinical information and is not essential for safe and effective handoff communication. Shift reports should focus on medical status, treatment plans, or immediate needs.

C. "Client in room 302 has multiple visitors.": Visitor status is not a priority item in a shift report unless it directly affects client care, safety, or monitoring. Including such information can distract from more clinically significant updates.

D. "Client in room 301 is in the cardiac catheterization lab.": This is critical information because it reflects a current procedure, potential risks, and possible post-procedure care needs. Reporting this ensures continuity of monitoring and prioritization.

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Auditory hallucinations: The client reports hearing voices telling them to act (“I'm being told that it's better to end myself...”), which is a clear example of auditory hallucinations. These are a core positive symptom of schizophrenia and often command in nature.
• Echolalia: The client repeating the nurse’s words indicates echolalia, which reflects disorganized thought and speech. It is another classic positive symptom of schizophrenia and demonstrates impaired cognitive filtering.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Magical thinking: Magical thinking involves believing one’s thoughts can cause events in the physical world, such as thinking they can control others with their mind. This is not evident in the client’s current statements.
• Thought deletion: Thought deletion is the belief that external forces are removing thoughts from one’s mind. The client does not express this; instead, they report added stimuli (voices), not missing thoughts.
• Boundary impairment: Boundary impairment involves difficulty recognizing personal space or ownership, such as using others’ belongings inappropriately. This behavior has not been described in the current assessment.