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. "Try switching to a different formula." While switching formula might be an option if the infant is having feeding issues, projectile vomiting in a 2-month-old infant could indicate a more serious condition, such as pyloric stenosis. It's essential for the nurse to assess the infant's condition in person rather than recommending a formula change over the phone.

B. "Burp your baby more frequently during feedings." Burping the baby more frequently might help reduce gas but is unlikely to resolve projectile vomiting, which can be a sign of a medical issue requiring prompt attention.

C. "Bring your baby in to the clinic today." This response is the most appropriate because projectile vomiting in an infant, especially when combined with increased hunger, could indicate a serious condition like pyloric stenosis or other gastrointestinal problems. The infant needs to be assessed by a healthcare provider as soon as possible to determine the cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

D. "Give your infant an oral rehydration solution." Oral rehydration solutions are typically used to replenish fluids lost due to vomiting or diarrhea. However, in this case, the priority is to determine the cause of the projectile vomiting, which requires a thorough assessment by a healthcare provider.

A. Imaginary playmates:

Toddlers typically do not engage in activities involving imaginary playmates. This behavior is more common in preschool-aged children.

B. Erikson's stage of initiative versus guilt:

Erikson's stage of initiative versus guilt occurs during the preschool years, typically around ages 3 to 5. It involves children developing a sense of initiative to take on new tasks and challenges, balanced with feelings of guilt if they are overly criticized or restricted.

C. Negative behaviors characterized by the need for autonomy:

This is the correct answer. Toddlers are in Erikson's stage of autonomy versus shame and doubt. During this stage, which typically occurs between the ages of 1 and 3, toddlers strive to gain independence and autonomy. They may exhibit negative behaviors, such as temper tantrums or defiance, as they assert their independence and explore their environment.

D. Demonstrations of sexual curiosity:

Demonstrations of sexual curiosity typically emerge later in childhood, around the preschool years or later. Toddlers are not typically focused on sexual curiosity during this stage of development.