Lisa is a 22-year-old woman who experiences episodes of extreme muscle rigidity. She sometimes repeats a word or phrase over and over. Attempts to move her are met with increased muscle resistance. What is she exhibiting?
Catatonia
Disorganized schizophrenia
Schizotypal disorder
Brief psychotic disorder
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Catatonia is characterized by symptoms such as extreme muscle rigidity, repetitive speech, and resistance to movement, which align with Lisa's presentation. It is often associated with other mental health conditions but can also be a standalone diagnosis.

Choice B reason: Disorganized schizophrenia is marked by disorganized thinking and behavior, inappropriate emotional responses, and erratic actions. While Lisa's symptoms could suggest a psychotic disorder, they do not specifically indicate disorganized schizophrenia.
Choice C reason: Schizotypal disorder involves eccentric behavior, odd beliefs, and difficulty forming close relationships. Lisa's symptoms do not align with the core characteristics of schizotypal disorder.
Choice D reason: Brief psychotic disorder is a short-term condition that includes delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech. Lisa's symptoms could be part of a brief psychotic episode, but the specific mention of muscle rigidity and resistance to movement is more indicative of catatonia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This response acknowledges the client's feelings without agreeing with the delusion or challenging their reality, which can help in building trust and rapport.
Choice B reason: Asking "Why do you think you are being lied about and poisoned?" could potentially reinforce the delusion and lead the client to further justify their beliefs.
Choice C reason: Directly telling the client they are mistaken can be confrontational and may damage the therapeutic relationship.
Choice D reason: Asking "Who is lying about you and trying to poison you?" can validate the delusion and is not a therapeutic response.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Thinking/content of thought refers to the logical process of thought and coherence, not directly to the experience of reality.
Choice B reason: Mood and affect pertain to the emotional state and its expression, not the perception of reality.
Choice C reason: Judgment involves decision-making abilities and the evaluation of situations, not the perception of reality.
Choice D reason: Perception is the component that deals with how a person experiences reality, including any hallucinations or delusions they may have.
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