A nurse is caring for a client who has sleep dysregulation, poor memory, and poor concentration. When collecting data, which of the following neurotransmitters should the nurse identify as being responsible for the client's manifestations?

A. Nylon socks. Nylon socks do not pose a significant risk for self-harm and can be safely kept with the client. They are not considered a ligature risk or a hazardous object.
B. Cotton underwear. Cotton underwear is not a safety concern in a mental health unit. It does not present a strangulation risk or any other immediate danger.
C. Lace-up tennis shoes. Lace-up shoes contain long laces that could be used as a ligature, posing a strangulation risk. Clients in a mental health unit are typically provided with slip-on or Velcro shoes to enhance safety.
D. Glass-framed picture of the client's partner. A glass frame poses a significant risk as it can be broken and used as a sharp object for self-harm. The nurse should ask the partner to take it home or provide a safer alternative, such as a laminated photo.
E. Necklace. A necklace can be used for strangulation, making it unsafe for a client at risk of self-harm. Removing items that could be used for ligature or harm is essential in suicide prevention.

A. Paranoia is a positive symptom of schizophrenia, characterized by excessive distrust and suspicion. Positive symptoms involve an excess or distortion of normal functions, such as hallucinations or delusions. Paranoia reflects an altered perception of reality rather than a diminished emotional or cognitive function.
B. Distorted beliefs, including delusions, are considered positive symptoms of schizophrenia. These beliefs are false, fixed, and not based on reality, often involving grandiosity, persecution, or somatic concerns. Positive symptoms represent an exaggeration of normal thought processes rather than a reduction in function.
C. Confusion is often associated with cognitive impairment in schizophrenia but is not classified as a negative symptom. Cognitive symptoms include deficits in memory, attention, and executive function, whereas negative symptoms involve the absence of normal emotional or behavioral responses. Confusion is more related to disorganized thinking rather than a loss of function.
D. Lack of emotions, or affective flattening, is a negative symptom of schizophrenia. Negative symptoms involve a reduction in normal functions, such as diminished emotional expression, social withdrawal, and decreased motivation. These symptoms contribute significantly to functional impairment and are often more resistant to treatment than positive symptoms.