Nurse in Psychiatry Test Bank Related

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An older adult patient was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 18. A nurse at the outpatient medication clinic interviews this patient. Which communication strategy will be most helpful?

  • A. Ask questions that can be answered with yes or no.
  • B. Use silence often and let the patient take the lead.
  • C. Use open-ended, indirect questions.
  • D. Ask clear, simple questions using concrete language.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ask clear, simple questions using concrete language. This strategy is most helpful because older adults with schizophrenia may have cognitive impairments that affect their ability to process complex information. Clear and simple questions using concrete language can help the patient understand and respond effectively.

Choice A (Ask questions that can be answered with yes or no) limits communication and may not provide enough information for the nurse to assess the patient's condition comprehensively. Choice B (Use silence often and let the patient take the lead) may not be effective as the patient may struggle to communicate effectively due to cognitive impairments. Choice C (Use open-ended, indirect questions) may lead to confusion or misinterpretation for a patient with cognitive challenges.