A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a new diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Which of the following client statements supports this diagnosis?
"I just need a couple of hours of sleep each night.”.
"Remembering where I put things has become difficult.”.
"I won't eat because I know that the food has been poisoned.”.
"Counting stairs helps me feel more in control.”.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
A need for only a couple of hours of sleep each night could suggest mania, a symptom associated with bipolar disorder, rather than schizophrenia. Individuals with schizophrenia often experience sleep disturbances, but this specific statement is more indicative of a manic episode.
Choice B rationale
Difficulty remembering where things are placed can be a symptom of various conditions, including normal aging, stress, depression, or cognitive impairments. While cognitive deficits can occur in schizophrenia, this statement alone is not a strong indicator of the disorder's core features.
Choice C rationale
The statement "I won't eat because I know that the food has been poisoned" is a paranoid delusion, a positive symptom commonly seen in schizophrenia. Delusions are fixed, false beliefs that are not based in reality and are a hallmark feature of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.
Choice D rationale
Counting stairs to feel more in control could be a mild compulsion or a coping mechanism for anxiety. While anxiety can co-occur with schizophrenia, this behavior itself is not a primary diagnostic criterion for the disorder.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
"Tell me about your baby. Where is she now?" is the priority response because it immediately assesses the safety and well-being of the baby. The mother's statement suggests potential distress and inability to cope, raising concerns about the infant's care.
Choice B rationale
"Do you have a friend who could help you?" explores the client's support system, which is important but secondary to ensuring the immediate safety of the baby.
Choice C rationale
"Having a newborn must be stressful" is an empathetic statement that acknowledges the client's feelings. While therapeutic, it does not address the potential immediate needs and safety of the baby.
Choice D rationale
"Do you have other children?" gathers information about the client's family situation, but it is not the priority when there is a potential concern about the well-being of the newborn. .
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Implementing 24-hr one-to-one nursing observation is a necessary precaution for a newly admitted adolescent who overdosed on prescription pain medication. This close monitoring allows for continuous assessment of the client's physical and mental status, early detection of any complications, and prevention of further self-harm attempts, especially given the prescriptions for an anxiolytic and an SSRI, which could have delayed or paradoxical effects in an overdose situation.
Choice B rationale
Restricting interactions with other clients might increase the adolescent's feelings of isolation and depression, which could be counterproductive to their mental health recovery. Therapeutic interactions with peers can be beneficial.
Choice C rationale
Documenting the client's behavior every 2 hr is a standard nursing practice, but it is not sufficient for a client at high risk for self-harm following an overdose. Continuous observation provides immediate intervention capability.
Choice D rationale
Administering prescribed medication via the IM route is not necessarily a standard precaution for an overdose. The route of administration depends on the specific medication and the client's condition. Oral administration is usually preferred when the client is stable and can tolerate it.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.