A client has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. One clinical symptom of this diagnosis is what?

Step 1: Convert the infusion time from minutes to hours.
15 minutes ÷ 60 minutes/hour = 0.25 hours
Result at step 1 = 0.25 hours

Step 2: Calculate the infusion rate in mL/hr.
100 mL ÷ 0.25 hours = 400 mL/hr
Result at step 2 = 400 mL/hr

Step 3: Round to the nearest whole number.
400 mL/hr is already a whole number.
Result at step 3 = 400 mL/hr

Choice A reason: This response dismisses the client’s delusion, potentially increasing agitation. Schizophrenia’s mesolimbic dopamine excess drives delusional beliefs, and invalidation can heighten amygdala-driven distress, disrupting therapeutic rapport and failing to address the emotional impact of the psychotic experience.

Choice B reason: Labeling the client’s thinking as illogical is confrontational, risking escalation of paranoia. Dopamine hyperactivity in schizophrenia sustains delusions, and challenging them directly may increase amygdala activation, worsening distress and undermining trust in the therapeutic relationship.

Choice C reason: Stating the client has a thought disorder is non-therapeutic, as it dismisses the delusion without empathy. Schizophrenia’s dopamine-driven delusions require validation of feelings to reduce amygdala hyperactivity, not intellectual correction, which may alienate the client and hinder engagement.

Choice D reason: Acknowledging the delusion’s emotional impact without affirming it validates the client’s distress, reducing amygdala-driven anxiety. This therapeutic approach aligns with schizophrenia’s dopamine dysregulation, fostering trust and engagement by addressing the emotional experience of the delusion empathetically.