A nurse is conducting a group therapy meeting and shares a humorous story. When the group laughs at the story, a client diagnosed with schizophrenia jumps up and runs out while yelling, 'You are all making fun of me.' The nurse recognizes that the client is displaying which of the following behaviors?"

 

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia are those that reflect a decrease or loss of normal functions. In the context of schizophrenia, waxy flexibility is a negative symptom where the patient exhibits decreased response to stimuli and a tendency to remain in an immobile, fixed posture. Patients with waxy flexibility may maintain whatever position they are placed in, which can be sustained for long periods.

Choice A: Bizarre behavior

Bizarre behavior is considered a positive symptom of schizophrenia. It includes unusual or odd actions that are not typically seen in healthy individuals. This can manifest as inappropriate or unpredictable behavior and is an excess or distortion of normal functions.

Choice B: Waxy flexibility

This is the correct answer. Waxy flexibility is a negative symptom of schizophrenia. It is characterized by a decrease in voluntary movement and an increase in passive obedience in maintaining a posture or position. It is not a productive symptom but rather a lack of normal behavior.

Choice C: Somatic delusions

Somatic delusions are a type of delusion that is classified as a positive symptom of schizophrenia. These delusions involve false beliefs about the body, such as thinking one has a serious disease or infestation when no medical evidence supports this.

Choice D: Illogicality

Illogicality is also a positive symptom of schizophrenia. It refers to a pattern of thinking that is disorganized and lacks the logical flow of thoughts. This can result in speech and behaviors that are difficult to understand and follow.

Choice A reason:

Attention-seeking conduct is not typically a manifestation of severe anxiety. While individuals may exhibit behaviors that draw attention in an attempt to alleviate their distress, it is not a direct symptom of anxiety itself. Attention-seeking may be associated with other psychological conditions or may be a response to feeling neglected or ignored.

Choice B reason:

Aggressive behavior can sometimes be seen in individuals with severe anxiety, particularly if they feel trapped or overwhelmed. However, it is not as common as other manifestations. Aggression may also stem from a variety of other factors, including personality disorders, mood disorders, or situational stressors, rather than anxiety alone.

Choice C reason:

Mild fidgeting is a common manifestation of severe anxiety. Anxiety can cause a surplus of energy and nervousness that manifests physically as fidgeting, such as tapping feet, playing with hands, or shifting positions frequently. This physical manifestation is a direct result of the body's fight-or-flight response, which prepares the individual to either confront or flee from perceived threats.

Choice D reason:

Mild difficulty problem-solving can occur in individuals with severe anxiety due to the overwhelming nature of their thoughts and feelings. Anxiety can disrupt cognitive processes, making it challenging to concentrate and think clearly. However, this is a broader cognitive effect of anxiety rather than a specific behavioral manifestation.