A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has a new diagnosis of schizophrenia. The client's parents are tearful and express feelings of guilt. Which of the following is an appropriate statement by the nurse?

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale: Phase IV is not a recognized phase in the cycle of battering. Typically, the cycle of battering consists of three phases: tension-building, acute battering, and honeymoon phase. Each phase has distinct characteristics.

Choice B rationale: Phase I, the tension-building phase, is characterized by increased tension, irritability, and frustration in the abuser. The victim may sense the abuser's declining tolerance for frustration, leading them to try to avoid confrontation by staying out of the abuser's way.

Choice C rationale: Phase III is the honeymoon phase, where the abuser may apologize, show remorse, and be affectionate. The victim may feel hopeful for change. However, this does not match the described behavior of increasing frustration and anger with quick apologies.

Choice D rationale: This is a duplicate of Choice B. As previously stated, Phase I, the tension-building phase, involves the buildup of tension and irritability in the abuser, leading the victim to try to stay out of the abuser's way to avoid conflict.

Choice A rationale:

Ideas of reference involve the belief that external events, objects, or people have a specific and unusual significance directly related to oneself. In this scenario, the client with schizophrenia believes that the group's laughter is directed at them, indicating an exaggerated sense of personal relevance in the situation.

Choice B rationale:

Erotomania is characterized by the delusional belief that someone, usually of higher social status, is in love with the individual. This choice is not applicable to the situation described, where the client's reaction is centered around perceived mockery rather than romantic interest.

Choice C rationale:

Grandeur involves inflated feelings of importance, power, knowledge, or identity. It does not align with the situation where the client perceives ridicule and responds defensively to the group's laughter.

Choice D rationale:

Flight of ideas is a thought disorder characterized by rapid and unconnected shifts in thoughts, often associated with mania. It is not relevant to the client's reaction to the group's laughter.