A nurse is performing an admission assessment on a client who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a negative symptom?

The correct answer is choice C. Suspended from school several times in the past year.

Choice A rationale:

The client's father's recent death (Choice A) is not a typical expected assessment finding of conduct disorder. While emotional disturbances can be associated with conduct disorder, the primary characteristics involve behavioral issues rather than reactions to significant life events.

Choice B rationale:

Adhering strictly to routines (Choice B) is not a common expected assessment finding of conduct disorder. Conduct disorder is characterized by patterns of defiant and disruptive behaviors, not necessarily a rigid adherence to routines.

Choice C rationale:

Suspended from school several times in the past year (Choice C) aligns with the expected assessment findings of conduct disorder. Conduct disorder often involves aggressive behavior towards others, violation of rules, and disregard for the rights of others, which can lead to disciplinary actions such as school suspensions.

Choice D rationale:

Experiencing frequent facial tics (Choice D) is not a typical expected assessment finding of conduct disorder. Facial tics are associated with conditions like Tourette's syndrome or other tic disorders, not conduct disorder.

The correct answer is Choice A, Choice B, Choice D, Choice E.

Choice A rationale: Offering specific privileges for sustained weight gain acts as positive reinforcement, motivating the client to adhere to the treatment plan. It supports behavior change and helps in gradually restoring a healthy weight, vital in anorexia nervosa management.

Choice B rationale: Monitoring the client's weight daily allows for accurate tracking of progress and ensures timely intervention if weight loss continues. It helps the healthcare team make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan to meet nutritional and therapeutic goals.

Choice C rationale: Allowing the client to choose their meals can lead to poor nutritional choices due to their distorted perception of body image and fear of gaining weight. Structured meal plans are essential to ensure balanced nutrition and recovery in anorexia nervosa.

Choice D rationale: Providing the client with small meals frequently helps in preventing overwhelming feelings during meals and reduces the risk of refeeding syndrome. This approach promotes consistent nutritional intake and supports gradual weight gain.

Choice E rationale: Staying with the client during meals and for 1 hour afterward prevents purging behaviors and provides emotional support. It also ensures the client consumes the prescribed food, facilitating adherence to the nutritional plan and promoting recovery.