Exam 24: Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

Parents of a 17-year-old patient diagnosed with schizophrenia ask the nurse what the future will be like for their child.The nurse's answer should be based on what knowledge concerning the usual course of this illness?

A newly admitted patient is mute, immobile, and holds a fixed body position for long periods.The nurse caring for this patient should implement which intervention?

A nurse at the mental health clinic plans a series of psychoeducational groups for persons with schizophrenia.Which topic would take priority?

Research on neurostructural theories of schizophrenia indicates the common demonstration of which pathoanatomic findings?

A patient displays disorganized speech and behavior as well as a flat affect.The patient prefers to sit alone and often appears to be listening and responding to unseen stimuli.What should the nurse do to begin a therapeutic relationship?

A therapist believes that persons diagnosed with schizophrenia have ego disintegration.This concept is based on which model?

When a patient experiencing a first episode of type I schizophrenia is hospitalized, the nurse can expect to administer what type of medication?

How long must the symptoms of schizophrenia be present before a diagnosis can be made?

Which type of perceptual alteration is most commonly displayed by patients with schizophrenia?

Genetic evidence regarding twins and the risk for schizophrenia supports which fact?

Which therapeutic activity would be most important in helping a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia remain in the work force?

The family of a patient with type I schizophrenia asks, "Did this illness occur because of all the chaos in our family?" What is the nurse's best response?

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia expresses fear of being pursued by hostile forces.The patient carries a tablet and writes notes in a code.The patient says, "I'm the only one who understands this code." What is a realistic and desirable outcome for this patient?

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia expresses fear of being pursued by hostile forces.The patient carries a tablet and writes notes in a code.The patient says, "I'm the only one who understands this code." How should the nurse document these findings?

What is an initial short-term outcome for a withdrawn, socially isolated patient diagnosed with schizophrenia?

The nurse should focus assessment for a patient with type I schizophrenia primarily on gathering data about what patient characteristic?

A highly suspicious patient tells the nurse, "When I sit in the dayroom I can see other people whispering about me and laughing.It makes me want to punch them." What direction should the nurse give staff?

A patient laughs while saying, "My dog died yesterday." The nurse documents this behavior using what terminology?

A patient tells the nurse, "Air Force jets flying overhead are looking for me.They want to capture me." The patient has not previously verbalized this information.What should the nurse's initial intervention be?

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia expresses fear of being pursued by hostile forces.The patient carries a tablet and writes notes in a code.The patient says, "I'm the only one who understands this code." What is the priority nursing diagnosis?