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A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia demonstrates paranoid thinking. The patient angrily tells a nurse, 'You are mean and nasty. No one trusts you or wants to be around you.' What is the likely motivation behind this behavior?
- A. Attempting to manipulate the nurse by using negative comments
- B. The prelude to disorganization and catatonia in the near future
- C. Jealousy of the nurse's position of power in the relationship
- D. Identifying another person's shortcomings in order to preserve his or her own self-esteem
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Patients with paranoid ideation often use disparaging comments to preserve their own self-esteem. There is no evidence the patient is trying to manipulate the nurse or is jealous. This behavior is not predictive of catatonia or disorganization.
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A patient has taken trifluoperazine 30 mg/day orally for 3 years. The clinic nurse notes that the patient grimaces and constantly smacks both lips. The patient's neck and shoulders twist in a slow, snakelike motion. Which problem would the nurse suspect?
- A. Agranulocytosis
- B. Tardive dyskinesia
- C. Tourette syndrome
- D. Anticholinergic effects
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tardive dyskinesia is a neuroleptic-induced condition involving the face, trunk, and limbs. Involuntary movements such as tongue thrusting; licking; blowing; irregular movements of the arms, neck, and shoulders; rocking; hip jerks; and pelvic thrusts are observed. These symptoms are frequently not reversible, even when the drug is discontinued. The scenario does not present evidence consistent with the other disorders mentioned. Agranulocytosis is a blood disorder. Tourette syndrome is a condition in which tics are present. Anticholinergic effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, flushing, constipation, and dry eyes.
A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia says, 'My coworkers are out to get me. I also saw two doctors plotting to overdose me.' What term identifies how this patient is perceiving the environment?
- A. Disorganized
- B. Unpredictable
- C. Dangerous
- D. Bizarre
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient sees the world as hostile and dangerous. This assessment is important because the nurse can be more effective by using empathy to respond to the patient. Data are not present to support any of the other options.
A patient receiving risperidone reports severe muscle stiffness at 10:30 am. By noon, the patient is diaphoretic, drooling, and has difficulty swallowing. By 4:00 pm, vital signs are body temperature, 102.8°F; pulse, 110 beats/min; respirations, 26 breaths per minute; and blood pressure, 150/90 mm Hg. Select the nurse's best analysis and action.
- A. Agranulocytosis. Institute reverse isolation.
- B. Tardive dyskinesia. Withhold the next dose of medication.
- C. Cholestatic jaundice. Begin a high-protein, low-fat diet.
- D. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Immediately notify the health care provider.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Taking an antipsychotic medication coupled with the presence of extrapyramidal symptoms, such as severe muscle stiffness and difficulty swallowing, hyperpyrexia, and autonomic symptoms (pulse elevation), suggest neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a medical emergency. The symptoms given in this scenario are not consistent with the medical problems listed in the incorrect options.
A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia has been stable for a year; however, the family now reports the patient is tense, sleeps 3 to 4 hours per night, and has difficulty concentrating. The patient says, 'Demons are in the basement and they can come through the floor.' The nurse can correctly assess this information as what?
- A. Need for psychoeducation
- B. Medication nonadherence
- C. Chronic deterioration
- D. Relapse
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Signs of potential relapse include feeling tense, difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, increased withdrawal, and increased bizarre or magical thinking. Medication noncompliance may not be implicated. Relapse can occur even when the patient is regularly taking his or her medication. Psychoeducation is more effective when the patient's symptoms are stable. Chronic deterioration is not the best explanation.
What assessment findings mark the prod sall prodromal stage of schizophrenia?
- A. Withdrawal, magical thinking, poor concentration, and perceptual disturbances
- B. Auditory hallucinations, ideas of reference, thought insertion, and broadcasting
- C. Stereotyped behavior, echopraxia, echolalia, and waxy flexibility
- D. Loose associations, concrete thinking, and echolalia neologisms
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Early prodromal symptoms include social withdrawal and deterioration in functioning, depressive mood, perceptual disturbances, magical thinking, and peculiar behavior. Changes in self-care, sleeping or eating patterns, and changes in school or work performance may also be evidenced. The incorrect options each list the positive symptoms of schizophrenia that are more likely to be apparent during the acute stage of the illness.