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A client is being released from the inpatient psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and treatment with antipsychotic medications. After teaching the client and family about managing the disorder, the nurse determines that the teaching was effective when they state which of the following should be reported immediately?
- A. Elevated temperature
- B. Tremor
- C. Decreased blood pressure
- D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated temperature (A) could indicate a serious side effect like neuroleptic malignant syndrome or infection (e.g., agranulocytosis with clozapine), requiring immediate reporting. Tremor (B), decreased blood pressure (C), and weight gain (D) are less urgent, though they warrant monitoring.
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The nurse is preparing to interview a client who has a delusional disorder. Which of the following would the nurse expect?
- A. Cognitive impairment
- B. Normal behavior
- C. Labile affect
- D. Evidence of motor symptoms
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clients with delusional disorder typically exhibit normal behavior (B) outside their specific delusions, with intact cognition and affect. Cognitive impairment (A), labile affect (C), and motor symptoms (D) are more characteristic of other psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.
A nursing instructor is preparing a class lecture about schizophrenia and outcomes focusing on recovery. Which of the following would the instructor include as a major goal?
- A. Continuity of care
- B. Shorter in-patient stays
- C. Immediate crisis stabilization
- D. Social engagement
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Social engagement (D) is a major recovery goal in schizophrenia, promoting reintegration and quality of life. Continuity of care (A) and crisis stabilization (C) are means to achieve recovery, and shorter stays (B) are logistical, not primary goals.
A nurse is preparing an in-service program for a group of psychiatric-mental health nurses about schizophrenia. Which of the following would the nurse include as a major reason for relapse?
- A. Lack of family support
- B. Accessibility to community resources
- C. Non-adherence to prescribed medications
- D. Stigmatization of mental illness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Non-adherence to prescribed medications (C) is a primary cause of relapse in schizophrenia, as antipsychotics are critical for symptom control. Lack of family support (A) and stigmatization (D) contribute indirectly, while accessibility to resources (B) is a protective factor.
A client with schizoaffective disorder is having difficulty adhering to the medication regimen that requires the use of several agents. The client also is experiencing several side effects contributing to this nonadherence. The physician plans to change the client?s medication. Which agent would the nurse anticipate that the physician would prescribe?
- A. Lithium
- B. Aripiprazole
- C. Clozapine
- D. Olanzapine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aripiprazole (B) is a second-generation antipsychotic with a favorable side effect profile and efficacy for schizoaffective disorder, improving adherence. Lithium (A) is for mood stabilization, clozapine (C) is for treatment-resistant cases, and olanzapine (D) has more side effects.
A nurse is providing care to a client just recently diagnosed with schizophrenia during an inpatient hospital stay. Throughout the day, the nurse observes the client drinking from the water fountain quite frequently as well as carrying cans of soda and bottles of water with him wherever he goes. Upon entering the client?s room, the nurse sees numerous empty cups that had been filled with fluids on his table and in the trash can. The room has an odor of urine. The nurse suspects which of the following?
- A. Diabetes mellitus
- B. Disordered water balance
- C. Tardive dyskinesia
- D. Orthostatic hypotension
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Excessive fluid intake and urine odor suggest disordered water balance (B), such as psychogenic polydipsia, common in schizophrenia, leading to excessive drinking and urination. Diabetes mellitus (A) may cause thirst but not typically urine odor in this context. Tardive dyskinesia (C) and orthostatic hypotension (D) are unrelated to these symptoms.