The nurse is evaluating several clients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Which client will be assessed as having the worst potential outcomes?
An adolescent client with alogia, anhedonia, and a flat or blunted affect.
A client who has a first cousin with bipolar I disorder.
A client with an exacerbation of hallucinations and delusions 2 years after diagnosis.
An older adult client with an onset of positive symptoms at age 35.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This client presents with negative symptoms of schizophrenia, which are often associated with a poorer prognosis. Negative symptoms like alogia and anhedonia indicate a diminished emotional response and lack of motivation, which can severely impact the client's ability to function and respond to treatment.

Choice B reason: Having a first cousin with bipolar I disorder may suggest a genetic predisposition to mood disorders but does not directly influence the prognosis of a client already diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Choice C reason: While an exacerbation of hallucinations and delusions indicates a worsening of symptoms, it is the positive symptoms of schizophrenia that are often more responsive to treatment. Therefore, this client may not necessarily have the worst outcomes.
Choice D reason: An older adult with a late onset of schizophrenia typically has a better prognosis than those with an earlier onset. Late-onset schizophrenia is often less severe and may respond better to treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A decreased display of emotions, or blunted affect, is common in dementia as the illness affects the brain areas responsible for emotion regulation.
Choice B reason: While personality changes can occur, they do not typically present as complete opposites of original traits.
Choice C reason: Decreased auditory and visual acuity can be part of the cognitive decline associated with dementia.
Choice D reason: Forgetfulness that progresses to disorientation is a hallmark of dementia, reflecting the deterioration of cognitive functions over time.
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Blunt affect is a negative symptom of schizophrenia, characterized by a significant reduction in the expression of emotions.
Choice B reason: Poor judgments are not specifically categorized as negative symptoms; they can be a result of cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia.
Choice C reason: Delusions are considered positive symptoms of schizophrenia, involving false beliefs maintained despite evidence to the contrary.
Choice D reason: Anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure, is a negative symptom of schizophrenia, reflecting a diminished interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities.
Choice E reason: Hallucinations are considered positive symptoms of schizophrenia, involving perceiving things that are not present.
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