Deck 24: Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

Question 1

How long must the symptoms of schizophrenia be present before a diagnosis can be made?

A) At least 6 months
B) At least 1 month
C) More than 1 week
D) On at least three occasions in the past year

Answer 1

At least 6 months

Question 2

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia expresses fear of being pursued by hostile forces.The patient carries a tablet and writes notes in a code.The patient says, "I'm the only one who understands this code." How should the nurse document these findings?

A) Grandiose and paranoid delusions
B) Affective blunting and anhedonia
C) Autism and loose associations
D) Delusions of reference

Answer 2

Grandiose and paranoid delusions

Question 3

Which therapeutic activity would be most important in helping a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia remain in the work force?

A) Social skills training
B) Physical therapy to develop muscle strength
C) Occupational therapy to improve coordination
D) Group therapy to improve motivation for working

Answer 3

Social skills training

Question 4

A patient laughs while saying, "My dog died yesterday." The nurse documents this behavior using what terminology?

A) Autistic
B) Ambivalence
C) Inappropriate affect
D) Associative looseness

Question 5

A therapist believes that persons diagnosed with schizophrenia have ego disintegration.This concept is based on which model?

A) Biologic
B) Interpersonal
C) Developmental
D) Stress-vulnerability

Question 6

A highly suspicious patient tells the nurse, "When I sit in the dayroom I can see other people whispering about me and laughing.It makes me want to punch them." What direction should the nurse give staff?

A) "Gently and frequently touch the patient while conversing."
B) "Stop laughing immediately when the patient enters the room."
C) "Be direct.Do not whisper, laugh, or look sideways at the patient."
D) "Engage the patient in conversation by leaning close to speak softly."

Question 7

Genetic evidence regarding twins and the risk for schizophrenia supports which fact?

A) Identical and fraternal twins are equal in concordancy for schizophrenia.
B) Monozygotic twins have a lower concordancy rate for schizophrenia than the general population.
C) Fraternal twins have a higher concordancy rate for schizophrenia than monozygotic twins.
D) Monozygotic twins are significantly more likely than the general population to be concordant for schizophrenia.

Question 8

The nurse should focus assessment for a patient with type I schizophrenia primarily on gathering data about what patient characteristic?

A) Cognition and perception
B) Attention and motivation
C) Grooming and hygiene
D) Abstract thinking skills

Question 9

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia expresses fear of being pursued by hostile forces.The patient carries a tablet and writes notes in a code.The patient says, "I'm the only one who understands this code." What is the priority nursing diagnosis?

A) Impaired environmental interpretation syndrome related to inability to reason
B) Disturbed thought processes related to thinking not based on reality
C) Risk for other-directed violence related to persecutory delusions
D) Powerlessness related to feelings of persecution

Question 10

Research on neurostructural theories of schizophrenia indicates the common demonstration of which pathoanatomic findings?

A) Ventricular enlargement, brain atrophy, and diminished cerebral blood flow
B) Ventricular blocking, brain swelling, and enhanced cerebral blood flow
C) Decreased cortical thickness and hippocampal hyperplasia
D) Increased cortical thickness and temporal lobe scarring

Question 11

Parents of a 17-year-old patient diagnosed with schizophrenia ask the nurse what the future will be like for their child.The nurse's answer should be based on what knowledge concerning the usual course of this illness?

A) A steady lessening of symptoms until stability is achieved.
B) Characterized by alternating acute and stable phases.
C) Totally different for each individual patient.
D) Progressive deterioration.

Question 12

Which type of perceptual alteration is most commonly displayed by patients with schizophrenia?

A) Auditory hallucinations
B) Inappropriate affect
C) Loose associations
D) Illusions

Question 13

When a patient experiencing a first episode of type I schizophrenia is hospitalized, the nurse can expect to administer what type of medication?

A) A typical antipsychotic drug
B) An atypical antipsychotic drug
C) A mood-stabilizing anticonvulsant
D) A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Question 14

A patient tells the nurse, "Air Force jets flying overhead are looking for me.They want to capture me." The patient has not previously verbalized this information.What should the nurse's initial intervention be?

A) Set firm limits on disruptive behaviors.
B) Forcefully refute all perceptual distortions.
C) Encourage complete description of delusions.
D) Voice doubt about delusions without arguing.

Question 15

The family of a patient with type I schizophrenia asks, "Did this illness occur because of all the chaos in our family?" What is the nurse's best response?

A) "It is likely that the chaos in your family caused the disorder.It is very important for every family member to keep calm."
B) "Stress in your family may make the disorder more difficult to manage, but it is not the cause."
C) "Too little is known about the cause of this illness for anyone to speculate."
D) "That question would be best answered by the psychiatrist."

Question 16

A newly admitted patient is mute, immobile, and holds a fixed body position for long periods.The nurse caring for this patient should implement which intervention?

A) Assign unlicensed assistance personnel to feed the patient.
B) Provide a stimulating, active environment.
C) Encourage independent social behaviors.
D) Forewarn the patient before touching.

Question 17

What is an initial short-term outcome for a withdrawn, socially isolated patient diagnosed with schizophrenia?

A) The patient will participate in scheduled activities.
B) The patient will identify barriers to social communication.
C) The patient will consistently interact with an assigned nurse.
D) The patient will share feelings of isolation with group members.

Question 18

A patient displays disorganized speech and behavior as well as a flat affect.The patient prefers to sit alone and often appears to be listening and responding to unseen stimuli.What should the nurse do to begin a therapeutic relationship?

A) Take the patient to a medication education class.
B) Offer a simple activity, and sit with the patient.
C) Ask the patient what the voices are saying.
D) Quietly watch television with the patient.

Question 19

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia expresses fear of being pursued by hostile forces.The patient carries a tablet and writes notes in a code.The patient says, "I'm the only one who understands this code." What is a realistic and desirable outcome for this patient?

A) The patient will express a willingness to be supervised by staff by day 2.
B) The patient will report feeling safe from harm by others by day 3.
C) The patient will allow the nurse to read coded writings by day 2.
D) The patient will recognize the need for medication by day 1.

Question 20

A nurse at the mental health clinic plans a series of psychoeducational groups for persons with schizophrenia.Which topic would take priority?

A) The importance of taking your medication correctly
B) How to complete an application for employment
C) How to dress when attending community events
D) How to give and receive compliments