A nurse is providing teaching about relapse prevention to a client who has schizophrenia. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A Reason: Vital signs are a critical indicator of a patient’s health status. Normal ranges for vital signs in a resting adult include a body temperature of 97.8°F to 99.1°F (36.5°C to 37.3°C), blood pressure between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg, a pulse rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute, and a respiratory rate of 12 to 18 breaths per minute. The client’s vital signs have stabilized from the initial erratic readings to within normal ranges by hospital day 5, indicating a positive response to the treatment plan.
Choice B Reason: Movement through the stages of grief is essential for emotional recovery, especially in the context of alcohol use disorder where the grief may have triggered the relapse. The stages of grief include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Progress in these stages can be a sign of emotional healing and a successful coping mechanism in the recovery process.
Choice D Reason: Participation in group therapy is a key component of substance use disorder treatment. It provides social support, reduces isolation, and helps develop effective communication and interpersonal skills3. Active participation in group therapy sessions indicates the client’s engagement with the treatment process and their commitment to recovery.
Choice E Reason: Appetite changes are common during recovery from alcohol use disorder. Initially, there may be a loss of appetite due to the effects of alcohol on the gastrointestinal system and overall health. However, as recovery progresses, appetite usually returns, and the individual may even overeat5. An improvement in appetite suggests that the client’s physical health is improving and that they are regaining a normal relationship with food.

Choice C Reason: Cognition refers to the mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and comprehension, including thinking, knowing, remembering, judging, and problem-solving. These are higher-level functions of the brain and encompass language, imagination, perception, and planning. A person’s cognitive ability can be affected by alcohol use disorder, as alcohol can impair cognitive functions and damage brain structures. However, recovery from alcohol abuse can lead to improvements in cognitive functions. Research indicates that most noticeable improvement in cognitive function begins after one year of abstinence from alcohol. Therefore, if the client shows signs of improved cognition, such as better memory, clearer thinking, or improved problem-solving, it would indicate progress in their recovery.
Choice F Reason: The client’s resolve to limit alcohol consumption is a significant indicator of their commitment to long-term recovery. Setting limits on alcohol intake is a crucial step in the process of recovery and can help prevent relapse. For men, moderate drinking is defined as up to two drinks per day and for women, up to one drink per day3. If the client expresses a desire to limit their alcohol consumption to within these guidelines, or better yet, abstains from alcohol completely, it would demonstrate a positive change in behavior and mindset towards their health and recovery.

Choice A Reason: Hallucinations are a common symptom of schizophrenia and may not require immediate reporting to a provider unless they represent a change from the patient’s baseline or are causing distress.
Choice B Reason: The client’s temperature of 39.4° C (103° F) is significantly higher than the normal body temperature range of 36.5° C to 37.5° C (97.7° F to 99.5° F). This indicates a fever, which could suggest an infection or another acute health issue that requires immediate attention.
Choice C Reason: While weight gain is a concern for patients with schizophrenia, especially due to the potential side effects of medications like olanzapine, it is not typically an acute issue requiring immediate reporting unless it is rapid and significant, which could indicate other health problems.
Choice D Reason: The client’s blood pressure reading of 128/82 mm Hg falls within the normal range for adults, which is less than 120/80 mm Hg for normal blood pressure. Therefore, it does not need to be reported urgently.