A nurse working on a psychiatric unit receives a telephone call from a client’s employer. The employer asks for a copy of the client’s latest laboratory work and psychological testing results so that the client’s medical records in employee health can be updated. Based on the nurse’s knowledge of breach of confidentiality, which response would be appropriate?

Choice A reason:
Anhedonia, or the inability to experience pleasure, is a negative symptom of schizophrenia. Negative symptoms reflect a decrease or loss of normal functions and are often more challenging to treat than positive symptoms.
Choice B reason:
Hallucinations are positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Positive symptoms involve the presence of abnormal behaviors or experiences, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there.
Choice C reason:
Poor judgment is not classified as a negative symptom of schizophrenia. It can be a feature of cognitive impairment associated with the disorder but is not specifically a negative symptom.
Choice D reason:
Delusions are positive symptoms of schizophrenia. They involve false beliefs that are not based in reality, such as believing one has special powers or is being persecuted.
Choice E reason:
Blunt affect, or reduced emotional expression, is a negative symptom of schizophrenia. It involves a lack of emotional responsiveness and is indicative of the diminished capacity to express emotions.

Choice A reason:
Placing the client in seclusion if visual hallucinations are present is not an appropriate first-line intervention. Seclusion should only be used when the client poses an immediate threat to themselves or others and less restrictive measures have failed. It is important to use the least restrictive interventions to manage symptoms.

Choice B reason:
Limiting the number of questions asked during assessments can help reduce the client’s anxiety and prevent overwhelming them. Clients with schizophrenia may have difficulty processing information and may become more paranoid or distressed with too many questions. This approach helps create a more supportive and manageable environment for the client.

Choice C reason:
Using frequent touch to provide client support is not recommended for clients with paranoid delusions. Physical touch may be misinterpreted as a threat or invasion of personal space, exacerbating the client’s paranoia and anxiety. It is important to respect the client’s boundaries and use other forms of support.

Choice D reason:
Directly telling the client that delusions are not real can be confrontational and may increase the client’s distress. Instead, the nurse should acknowledge the client’s feelings and provide reassurance without directly challenging their beliefs. This approach helps maintain a therapeutic relationship and supports the client’s emotional well-being.