A nurse is assisting in teaching a client who has been newly diagnosed with schizophrenia. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
Diagnosis typically occurs after 40 years of age.
Life expectancy is greater than the general population.
Co-occurring mental health illnesses are rarely diagnosed.
The need for resources increases as the disease progresses into adulthood.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Diagnosis typically occurs after 40 years of age. Diagnosis typically occurs in late adolescence to early adulthood, not after 40 years of age. While late-onset schizophrenia can occur, it is less common. The disorder usually manifests in the late teens to early 30s, with males often presenting earlier than females.
B. Life expectancy is greater than the general population. Life expectancy is lower than the general population due to factors such as increased risk of suicide, cardiovascular disease, and reduced access to healthcare. The presence of comorbid conditions and lifestyle factors, including smoking and poor diet, further contribute to a shorter lifespan.
C. Co-occurring mental health illnesses are rarely diagnosed. Co-occurring mental health illnesses are frequently diagnosed in individuals with schizophrenia. Conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders are common. These comorbidities can complicate treatment and impact overall prognosis.
D. The need for resources increases as the disease progresses into adulthood. The need for resources increases as the disease progresses into adulthood due to worsening functional impairment. Individuals with schizophrenia often require long-term support, including medication management, social services, and rehabilitation programs to maintain stability and quality of life.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Inappropriate guilt is a common symptom of depression, but it does not involve false beliefs about being targeted. Clients with major depressive disorder may feel excessive guilt, but this differs from the fixed, false beliefs seen in delusions.
B. Mania is characterized by elevated mood, impulsivity, and hyperactivity rather than paranoid thoughts. While manic episodes may include grandiose delusions, the belief that a government agency is attempting to capture the client aligns more with persecutory delusions.
C. Delusions are fixed, false beliefs that persist despite evidence to the contrary. The client’s statement suggests a persecutory delusion, which is commonly seen in psychotic disorders, including severe depression with psychotic features.
D. Confusion involves disorganized thinking, memory impairment, or difficulty understanding surroundings, often seen in delirium or cognitive disorders. While delusions can contribute to disorganized thoughts, they are distinct from general confusion.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Severe restlessness. Severe restlessness, known as akathisia, is a potential side effect of antipsychotic medications but is not indicative of agranulocytosis. Akathisia is associated with excessive movement and an inability to stay still, often requiring dose adjustment or medication to alleviate symptoms.
B. Respiratory depression and a comatose state. Respiratory depression and coma are not linked to agranulocytosis but may occur with overdose or central nervous system depression. Agranulocytosis affects white blood cell levels, leading to increased infection risk rather than sedation or respiratory suppression.
C. Sore throat and muscle aches. Sore throat and muscle aches are early signs of agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a dangerously low neutrophil count. Clients taking clozapine must undergo regular white blood cell monitoring to detect agranulocytosis early and prevent severe infections.
D. Increased anxiety and suicidal ideations. Increased anxiety and suicidal ideations may be related to psychiatric conditions or medication effects but are not specific to agranulocytosis. Clozapine is primarily used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and may help reduce suicidal behavior rather than induce it.
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