The physician prescribes risperidone for a client with schizophrenia who displays delusions, hallucinations, apathy, and social isolation. Which symptoms should be monitored to evaluate improvement?

Choice A Reason:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and communication difficulties. Jaw clenching and rocking are forms of self-stimulatory behavior (stimming) often observed in individuals with ASD¹³¹⁴. These behaviors can serve as a coping mechanism to manage sensory overload or express emotions.

Choice B Reason:
Stereotypic Movement Disorder involves repetitive, seemingly purposeless movements. While jaw clenching and rocking could be symptoms, they are more commonly associated with ASD. Stereotypic Movement Disorder is typically diagnosed when these behaviors interfere significantly with normal activities or result in self-harm, which is not mentioned in the child's description.

Choice C Reason:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. The behaviors described, jaw clenching and rocking, are not typical indicators of ADHD, which more commonly includes symptoms like difficulty staying focused, hyperactivity, and impulsive actions.

Choice D Reason:
Intellectual Disability Disorder is characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, which covers a range of everyday social and practical skills. The behaviors of jaw clenching and rocking do not directly indicate Intellectual Disability Disorder. This condition is usually identified by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning, not by specific behaviors like those described.

Choice A Reason
Limit setting may be helpful for a client who displays hypervigilance and refuses to attend unit activities, as it can provide clear expectations and help reduce anxiety. However, this behavior does not pose an immediate risk to the safety of others, making limit setting less essential compared to behaviors that could lead to harm.

Choice B Reason
While being flirtatious toward staff members may be inappropriate and require intervention, it is typically addressed through professional boundaries rather than limit setting. Limit setting in this context would involve clarifying acceptable behaviors within the therapeutic relationship.

Choice C Reason
Urging another client to commit violence is a behavior that necessitates immediate limit setting. This behavior poses a direct threat to the safety of others and disrupts the therapeutic environment. Limit setting here would involve immediate intervention to prevent harm and to maintain a safe environment for all clients.

Choice D Reason
A client who clings to the nurse and seeks advice on inconsequential matters may benefit from limit setting to encourage independence and appropriate use of staff time. However, this behavior is not as disruptive or dangerous as inciting violence, making it a lower priority for limit setting.