What are the primary goals of pharmacotherapy for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia? (Select all that apply.)
Reduce psychotic symptoms to a level that allows the patient to perform self-care.
Decrease psychotic symptoms so the patient can maintain employment.
Reduce psychotic symptoms to a level that allows the patient to maintain normal social relationships.
Cure schizophrenia.
Increase delusional symptoms.
Correct Answer : A,B,C
Choice A reason: One of the primary goals of pharmacotherapy in schizophrenia is to reduce psychotic symptoms to improve the patient's ability to perform daily self-care activities.
Choice B reason: Decreasing psychotic symptoms to help the patient maintain employment is another goal, as it contributes to the patient's independence and quality of life.
Choice C reason: Reducing symptoms to allow for the maintenance of normal social relationships is also a key goal, as social functioning is often impaired in schizophrenia.
Choice D reason: While the ultimate goal may be to cure schizophrenia, currently, pharmacotherapy aims to manage symptoms as there is no cure for the condition.
Choice E reason: Increasing delusional symptoms is not a goal of treatment; the aim is to decrease such symptoms.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Catatonia is characterized by symptoms such as extreme muscle rigidity, repetitive speech, and resistance to movement, which align with Lisa's presentation. It is often associated with other mental health conditions but can also be a standalone diagnosis.
Choice B reason: Disorganized schizophrenia is marked by disorganized thinking and behavior, inappropriate emotional responses, and erratic actions. While Lisa's symptoms could suggest a psychotic disorder, they do not specifically indicate disorganized schizophrenia.
Choice C reason: Schizotypal disorder involves eccentric behavior, odd beliefs, and difficulty forming close relationships. Lisa's symptoms do not align with the core characteristics of schizotypal disorder.
Choice D reason: Brief psychotic disorder is a short-term condition that includes delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech. Lisa's symptoms could be part of a brief psychotic episode, but the specific mention of muscle rigidity and resistance to movement is more indicative of catatonia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: While providing information on stress reduction is helpful, it is not the immediate priority.
Choice B reason: Assisting the client to identify triggers is a priority as it directly addresses the cause of the OCD behaviors.
Choice C reason: Speaking to the client in a calm manner is supportive but does not address the underlying OCD behaviors.
Choice D reason: Identifying anxiety levels can be part of the intervention, but it is not as specific as identifying triggers for the OCD behaviors.
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