Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Thought Disorders Related

Review Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Thought Disorders related questions and content

When obtaining a client?s history, the nurse determines that the client has been experiencing delusions and hallucinations for the past 3 months, which has caused some problems in his ability to function on a daily basis at work. He also is exhibiting catatonic excitement, echopraxia, loose associations, and pressured speech. The nurse suspects which of the following?

  • A. Schizophrenia
  • B. Schizoaffective disorder
  • C. Brief Psychotic disorder
  • D. Schizophreniform disorder
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Schizophreniform disorder (D) involves schizophrenia-like symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonia) lasting 1?6 months, matching the client?s 3-month duration. Schizophrenia (A) requires 6+ months, schizoaffective disorder (B) requires mood episodes, and brief psychotic disorder (C) lasts less than 1 month.