A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has schizophrenia.
The nurse should identify which of the following manifestations as an indication of relapse?
Increased sleep.
Obsession with hygiene rituals.
Excessive appetite.
Increased suspiciousness.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Increased sleep can sometimes be associated with depression, which can co-occur with schizophrenia, but it is not a primary indicator of relapse of psychotic symptoms. Relapse typically involves an exacerbation of positive symptoms like hallucinations or delusions.
Choice B rationale
Obsession with hygiene rituals is more commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which can be a comorbid condition in individuals with schizophrenia but is not a direct indicator of a psychotic relapse. While changes in behavior should be noted, this specific manifestation is less indicative of worsening schizophrenia.
Choice C rationale
Excessive appetite can be a side effect of certain antipsychotic medications or related to other factors, but it is not a core manifestation of a relapse of schizophrenia. Changes in appetite can occur, but increased suspiciousness is a more direct indicator of worsening psychotic symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Increased suspiciousness, paranoia, and mistrust are hallmark negative symptoms and often early indicators of a psychotic relapse in individuals with schizophrenia. Heightened suspicion can precede the return of more overt psychotic symptoms like hallucinations or delusions, signaling a destabilization of their mental state.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Encouraging the client to use personal support systems is a helpful intervention in a situational crisis, providing emotional and practical assistance. However, the immediate priority is to assess for safety.
Choice B rationale
Assisting with a client referral for social services can address long-term needs arising from the crisis. However, it is not the initial action when a client is experiencing a situational crisis.
Choice C rationale
Identifying if the client has thoughts of self-harm is the priority action in a situational crisis. Crisis situations can increase the risk of suicidal ideation, and ensuring the client's safety is paramount before addressing other needs.
Choice D rationale
Reinforcing teaching on the client's use of coping skills is important for managing the crisis. However, assessing for immediate safety concerns, such as self-harm, takes precedence.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Repeated school absences are a common finding in conduct disorder and indicate a disregard for rules and obligations. While important to address, it does not represent an immediate safety risk compared to threats of harm.
Choice B rationale
Threats of injury to others indicate a potential for violence and pose an immediate safety risk to others. This requires the nurse's immediate attention to assess the situation, ensure safety, and implement appropriate interventions to prevent harm.
Choice C rationale
Lack of empathy for others is a core characteristic of conduct disorder, reflecting a difficulty in understanding or sharing the feelings of others. While significant for long-term management, it does not present an immediate safety concern.
Choice D rationale
A history of shoplifting indicates a pattern of rule-breaking and disregard for the rights of others, which is characteristic of conduct disorder. However, it does not represent an immediate threat of harm compared to threats of injury.
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