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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Delirium is characterized by an acute and fluctuating onset of disturbances in attention and cognition that develop over a short period, typically hours to days. A gradual onset is more characteristic of conditions like dementia rather than the rapid changes seen in delirium.
Choice B rationale
Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is not a primary characteristic of delirium. While neurological conditions can cause both delirium and dysphagia, difficulty swallowing is not a core diagnostic criterion for delirium itself. Other conditions should be considered for this specific finding.
Choice C rationale
Slowed, flat speech is more commonly associated with depression or neurological conditions rather than delirium. Delirium typically presents with disorganized thinking and speech that may be rapid, incoherent, or difficult to follow, reflecting the altered level of consciousness and attention.
Choice D rationale
Impaired judgment is a key feature of delirium. The disturbance in attention and cognition affects the ability to process information, think clearly, and make sound decisions. This can manifest as poor understanding of situations, impulsive behavior, and an inability to appreciate potential consequences.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Clients with bulimia nervosa are at risk for hypokalemia (decreased potassium level) due to recurrent vomiting or misuse of laxatives or diuretics, which can lead to significant electrolyte imbalances. Normal serum potassium levels range from 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
Choice B rationale
An increased number of dental caries is a common manifestation in clients with bulimia nervosa. The stomach acid brought up during frequent vomiting erodes tooth enamel, making the teeth more susceptible to decay and the formation of cavities.
Choice C rationale
Bulimia nervosa is not typically associated with increased bleeding during menstruation (menorrhagia). Menstrual irregularities, including amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), can occur due to hormonal imbalances related to eating disorders and weight fluctuations.
Choice D rationale
Blood pressure can vary in individuals with bulimia nervosa. While dehydration from purging behaviors might initially cause low blood pressure, compensatory mechanisms or anxiety related to the disorder could also lead to normal or even elevated blood pressure in some cases.
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