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

While caring for a hospitalized client with schizophrenia, the nurse observes that the client is listening to the radio. The client tells the nurse that the radio commentator is speaking directly to him. The nurse interprets this finding as which of the following?

  • A. Autistic thinking
  • B. Concrete thinking
  • C. Referential thinking
  • D. Illusional thinking
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Referential thinking (C) describes the client?s belief that neutral events, like a radio broadcast, are personally directed at them, a common delusion in schizophrenia. Autistic thinking (A) involves private, illogical thoughts, concrete thinking (B) is overly literal interpretation, and illusional thinking (D) is not a standard term, making them incorrect.