Exhibits

A nurse is assessing a client who has schizophrenia. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider? (Click on the “Exhibit” button for additional information about the client. There are three tabs that contain separate categories of data.)

Choice A reason: Conversion disorder involves neurological symptoms like paralysis or blindness that are not explainable by medical evaluation. While these symptoms may mimic sensory impairments, they are psychological in origin and not due to actual sensory deficits.

Choice B reason: Mild anxiety disorder typically does not involve sensory impairments. Anxiety may cause heightened awareness or sensitivity to stimuli but does not result in a loss of sensory function.

Choice C reason: Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by patterns of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. It does not include sensory impairments as a symptom.

Choice D reason: Clients with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may experience sensory overload due to heightened focus on certain stimuli, leading to stress and anxiety. Assessing for risks related to sensory impairments can help in managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life.

Choice A Reason: Hallucinations are a common symptom of schizophrenia and may not require immediate reporting to a provider unless they represent a change from the patient’s baseline or are causing distress.
Choice B Reason: The client’s temperature of 39.4° C (103° F) is significantly higher than the normal body temperature range of 36.5° C to 37.5° C (97.7° F to 99.5° F). This indicates a fever, which could suggest an infection or another acute health issue that requires immediate attention.
Choice C Reason: While weight gain is a concern for patients with schizophrenia, especially due to the potential side effects of medications like olanzapine, it is not typically an acute issue requiring immediate reporting unless it is rapid and significant, which could indicate other health problems.
Choice D Reason: The client’s blood pressure reading of 128/82 mm Hg falls within the normal range for adults, which is less than 120/80 mm Hg for normal blood pressure. Therefore, it does not need to be reported urgently.