A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia.
Which of the following statements by the client demonstrates concrete thinking?
I am aware that each problem has only one solution.
I am a prophet of the most high judge.
The voices tell me that I must avoid large crowds.
I know that you are trying to poison me and you can’t convince me otherwise.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Concrete thinking is a cognitive distortion characterized by a rigid and literal interpretation of events and experiences. Individuals with concrete thinking often struggle to grasp abstract concepts, metaphors, or multiple perspectives. They tend to view situations in black-and-white terms, with little room for nuance or ambiguity.
Statement A, "I am aware that each problem has only one solution," exemplifies concrete thinking in several ways:
Absolute language: The use of the phrase "each problem has only one solution" suggests a fixed and inflexible mindset. It implies that there is only one correct way to approach any given problem, disregarding the possibility of alternative solutions or perspectives.
Oversimplification: The statement reduces the complexity of problem-solving to a single, definitive answer. It fails to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of most problems, which often require creative thinking, flexibility, and consideration of multiple factors.
Lack of abstract
Intolerance of ambiguity: Concrete thinkers often experience discomfort with uncertainty or open-ended situations. They prefer clear-cut answers and definitive conclusions, which can lead to frustration and anxiety when faced with complex or ambiguous problems.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A rationale:
Spending time with friends can be a protective factor against suicide, as it provides social support and connection.
While isolation can be a risk factor, spending time with friends does not inherently indicate suicide risk.
It's important to assess the quality of relationships and the presence of other risk factors.
Choice B rationale:
Regular sleep patterns often indicate healthy mental health.
Significant changes in sleep patterns (either too much or too little) can be warning signs, but consistent sleep of 9 hours is not typically a concern.
It's essential to evaluate sleep quality and any recent changes.
Choice C rationale:
Religious involvement can provide a sense of purpose, belonging, and support, which can be protective against suicide.
While it's not a guarantee of protection, it's generally a positive factor.
It's crucial to assess the individual's level of engagement and any potential conflicts within their religious beliefs.
Choice D rationale:
Exposure to suicide, especially in a close connection like a coach, can significantly increase a person's risk for suicide.
It can lead to normalization of suicide as a coping mechanism, imitation of behavior, or triggering of underlying mental health issues.
This is a strong risk factor that warrants immediate attention and assessment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Pseudoparkinsonism is an extrapyramidal side effect (EPSE) of antipsychotic medications, particularly first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) like haloperidol, that closely resembles the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It's characterized by:
Stooped posture: A forward-leaning posture, often with rounded shoulders and a head that is bent forward.
Shuffling gait: Small, slow steps with reduced arm swing, often described as a "shuffling" or "dragging" walk.
Rigidity: Increased muscle stiffness throughout the body, leading to resistance to movement and a feeling of tightness.
Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement, both in initiating and completing actions.
Tremor: Involuntary shaking, often most noticeable in the hands, but can also affect the arms, legs, head, or jaw.
Masked facies: A decreased facial expression, often described as a "flat" or "expressionless" face.
Mechanism of pseudoparkinsonism:
Haloperidol primarily blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the nigrostriatal pathway of the brain.
Dopamine plays a crucial role in motor control, and its blockade in this pathway leads to a disruption in the balance of dopamine and acetylcholine, another neurotransmitter involved in movement.
This imbalance results in the characteristic symptoms of pseudoparkinsonism.
Risk factors for pseudoparkinsonism:
Older age
Female sex
Higher doses of antipsychotic medication
Prolonged use of antipsychotic medication
History of Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders
Presence of other EPSEs
Management of pseudoparkinsonism:
Dose reduction: If possible, the dose of the antipsychotic medication may be reduced.
Switching to a different antipsychotic: Some antipsychotics, such as second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs), have a lower risk of causing EPSEs.
Anticholinergic medications: These medications can help to counteract the effects of dopamine blockade on the acetylcholine system, but they can have their own side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention.
Amantadine: This medication can also be used to treat pseudoparkinsonism, but it has the potential to cause side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, and livedo reticularis (a mottled skin rash).
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