A nurse is preparing to assist with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which of the following pieces of equipment should the nurse set up in the room prior to the treatment? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason:
Placing the client in seclusion if visual hallucinations are present is not an appropriate first-line intervention. Seclusion should only be used when the client poses an immediate threat to themselves or others and less restrictive measures have failed. It is important to use the least restrictive interventions to manage symptoms.

Choice B reason:
Limiting the number of questions asked during assessments can help reduce the client’s anxiety and prevent overwhelming them. Clients with schizophrenia may have difficulty processing information and may become more paranoid or distressed with too many questions. This approach helps create a more supportive and manageable environment for the client.

Choice C reason:
Using frequent touch to provide client support is not recommended for clients with paranoid delusions. Physical touch may be misinterpreted as a threat or invasion of personal space, exacerbating the client’s paranoia and anxiety. It is important to respect the client’s boundaries and use other forms of support.

Choice D reason:
Directly telling the client that delusions are not real can be confrontational and may increase the client’s distress. Instead, the nurse should acknowledge the client’s feelings and provide reassurance without directly challenging their beliefs. This approach helps maintain a therapeutic relationship and supports the client’s emotional well-being.

Choice A reason:

Impaired interpersonal relationships can be a consequence of schizophrenia, but it is not a specific diagnostic criterion in the DSM-5. The criteria focus on more direct symptoms of the disorder.

Choice B reason:

Inability to initiate activities may be related to negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as avolition, but it is not explicitly listed as a diagnostic criterion in the DSM-5. The criteria include more specific symptoms like disorganized behavior and hallucinations.

Choice C reason:

Disorganized behavior is one of the core symptoms of schizophrenia according to the DSM-5. It includes behaviors that are inappropriate or not goal-directed, reflecting a disruption in normal functioning.

Choice D reason:

Antisocial personality is a separate diagnosis and not a criterion for schizophrenia. Schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder are distinct conditions with different diagnostic criteria.

Choice E reason:

Hallucinations are a key symptom of schizophrenia. They involve perceiving things that are not present, such as hearing voices or seeing things that others do not see. Hallucinations are one of the primary positive symptoms of schizophrenia.

Choice F reason:

Lack of emotional expression, also known as affective flattening, is a negative symptom of schizophrenia. It involves a reduced ability to express emotions and is a significant criterion in the diagnosis of schizophrenia.