The nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia. Which of the following would be a priority nursing goal for this client’s care?
Promote interaction with others.
Encourage participation in group therapy activities.
Decrease their anxiety and increase trust.
Improve their relationship with their parents.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Promote interaction with others.
While promoting interaction with others is important for clients with schizophrenia, it is not the primary priority. Social interaction can help improve social skills and reduce isolation, but it should come after establishing a sense of safety and trust. Clients with schizophrenia often experience significant anxiety and mistrust, which need to be addressed first to create a stable foundation for further therapeutic interventions.
Choice B Reason:
Encourage participation in group therapy activities.
Encouraging participation in group therapy activities is beneficial for clients with schizophrenia as it can provide support and help them develop social skills. However, similar to promoting interaction with others, this goal is secondary to decreasing anxiety and building trust. Clients need to feel safe and trust their caregivers before they can effectively engage in group therapy.
Choice C Reason:
Decrease their anxiety and increase trust.
This is the correct response. Decreasing anxiety and increasing trust are fundamental goals in the care of clients with schizophrenia. High levels of anxiety and mistrust can exacerbate symptoms and hinder the effectiveness of other therapeutic interventions. Establishing a trusting relationship and reducing anxiety can create a more stable and supportive environment, which is essential for the client’s overall well-being and progress.
Choice D Reason:
Improve their relationship with their parents.
Improving the client’s relationship with their parents can be an important aspect of their overall treatment plan, especially if family dynamics contribute to their condition. However, this goal is not the immediate priority. Addressing the client’s anxiety and building trust should come first, as these are critical for the client’s stability and ability to engage in family therapy effectively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine commonly used to manage acute agitation and anxiety. It works by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA, which has a calming effect on the brain. Lorazepam is often administered in emergency situations to quickly reduce agitation and prevent escalation to violence. Its rapid onset of action makes it an ideal choice for managing acute episodes of agitation and potential assault.

Choice B Reason:
Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer used primarily for the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. While it can help manage mood swings and prevent manic episodes, it is not typically used for the immediate management of acute agitation or aggression. Its effects are not rapid enough to address an escalating situation effectively.
Choice C Reason:
Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder and to support smoking cessation. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, but it does not have the sedative properties needed to manage acute agitation or aggression. Therefore, it is not suitable for immediate intervention in a potentially violent situation.
Choice D Reason:
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and other mood disorders. While it is effective for long-term management of anxiety and depression, it does not have the rapid calming effects required for managing acute agitation or potential assault. SSRIs generally take several weeks to achieve their full therapeutic effect.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most effective non-pharmacological treatment for anxiety disorders. CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. It teaches clients practical skills to manage their anxiety, such as relaxation techniques, exposure therapy, and cognitive restructuring. Research has consistently shown that CBT can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms and improve overall functioning.
Choice B Reason:
Psychoanalytic therapy
Psychoanalytic therapy, based on the theories of Freud, aims to uncover unconscious conflicts and past experiences that influence current behavior. While it can be beneficial for some individuals, it is generally not considered the first-line treatment for anxiety disorders. Psychoanalytic therapy tends to be long-term and may not provide the immediate relief that clients with severe anxiety need.
Choice C Reason:
Electroconvulsive (ECT) therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) involves the use of electrical currents to induce seizures in the brain and is primarily used to treat severe depression and certain other mental health conditions. It is not typically used as a treatment for anxiety disorders. ECT is considered a last-resort treatment when other therapies have failed, and it is not suitable for managing anxiety symptoms in most cases.
Choice D Reason:
Family systems therapy
Family systems therapy focuses on improving communication and relationships within the family unit. While it can be helpful for addressing family dynamics and support, it is not specifically designed to treat anxiety disorders. Family therapy may be used as an adjunct to other treatments, but it is not the primary approach for managing anxiety symptoms.
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