A nurse is conducting a group therapy session for several clients. The group is laughing at a joke one of the clients told, when a client who is schizophrenic jumps up and runs out of the room yelling. "You are all making fun of me!" The nurse should identify this behavior as which of the following characteristics of schizophrenia?

A. Bizarre behavior: Bizarre behavior is typically considered a positive symptom of schizophrenia rather than a negative symptom. Positive symptoms involve the presence of abnormal behaviors or experiences that are not typically seen in healthy individuals. Bizarre behavior can include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior.

B. Somatic delusions: Somatic delusions, where the individual believes they have a medical condition or physical defect that is not present, are also considered positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Positive symptoms involve distortions or exaggerations of normal functions.

C. Affective flattening: This is the correct choice. Affective flattening, also known as blunted affect, refers to a reduction in the intensity, range, and expression of emotional responses. Individuals with schizophrenia who exhibit affective flattening may have a limited range of facial expressions, reduced vocal inflections, and a diminished ability to express emotions appropriately. Affective flattening is considered a negative symptom because it reflects a decrease or absence of normal emotional functioning.

D. Illogicality: Illogicality, or disorganized thinking, is another positive symptom of schizophrenia. It involves difficulties in organizing thoughts and expressing them coherently. Individuals with schizophrenia may exhibit illogical speech patterns, such as tangentiality (going off on tangents), loose associations (jumping from one unrelated topic to another), or thought blocking (sudden interruption of thoughts).

A. "I want to learn how to empty my child's urinary catheter bag."

This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the child's condition. Hirschsprung disease affects the large intestine and does not typically require a urinary catheter. Therefore, this statement does not demonstrate an understanding of the teaching.

B. "I'm glad that my child's ostomy is only temporary."

This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching. Hirschsprung disease can sometimes require the creation of a temporary ostomy as part of the surgical treatment. Recognizing that the ostomy is temporary reflects comprehension of the planned treatment.

C. "I’m glad my child will have normal bowel movements now."

This statement reflects a misunderstanding of the surgical treatment for Hirschsprung disease. While surgery can improve bowel function, it may not result in completely normal bowel movements. Therefore, this statement does not demonstrate an accurate understanding of the teaching.

D. "I want to learn how to use my child's feeding tube as soon as possible."

Hirschsprung disease and its surgical treatment typically do not involve the use of a feeding tube. Therefore, this statement indicates a misunderstanding of the child's condition and the planned treatment.