A nurse is monitoring a client who has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The nurse recognizes that people diagnosed with PTSD may exhibit symptoms similar to which of the following mental health disorders?

Choice A reason: Blood pressure is a vital sign measurement and not a symptom of schizophrenia. It does not reflect the psychiatric manifestations of the disorder. Negative symptoms are characterized by deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, not changes in vital signs. Therefore, blood pressure is unrelated to the assessment of negative symptoms.

Choice B reason: Lack of motivation is a hallmark negative symptom of schizophrenia. It reflects avolition, which is the inability to initiate or persist in goal-directed activities. This symptom often leads to difficulties in maintaining daily routines, attending therapy, or engaging in social interactions. It is directly linked to the functional impairment seen in clients with schizophrenia.

Choice C reason: Hallucinations are considered positive symptoms of schizophrenia, not negative symptoms. Positive symptoms involve the presence of abnormal experiences, such as auditory or visual hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech. While distressing, hallucinations represent an addition to normal functioning rather than a deficit, so they do not fall under the category of negative symptoms.

Choice D reason: Lack of energy is a negative symptom because it reflects diminished emotional and physical drive. This symptom contributes to the client’s inability to participate in activities, maintain self-care, or engage socially. It is often associated with anhedonia and avolition, both of which are central to negative symptomatology.

Choice E reason: Withdrawn behavior is another negative symptom. Social withdrawal indicates reduced ability or desire to interact with others, often due to flat affect, lack of motivation, or diminished emotional responsiveness. This symptom significantly impacts the client’s quality of life and ability to maintain relationships, making it a key indicator of negative symptoms in schizophrenia.

Choice A reason: Manipulating and controlling others’ behavior is not the purpose of compulsive cleaning in OCD. The client’s actions are driven by internal anxiety rather than a desire to control others.

Choice B reason: Compulsive behaviors such as cleaning are performed to reduce anxiety to a tolerable level. In OCD, rituals temporarily relieve distress caused by intrusive thoughts. This makes option B the most accurate description of the client’s behavior.

Choice C reason: While cleaning may appear useful, in OCD it is not a productive task but a ritualistic compulsion. The behavior is not focused on utility but on alleviating anxiety.

Choice D reason: Although compulsive cleaning may limit social interaction, this is a secondary effect. The primary purpose is anxiety reduction, not avoidance of others.