a nurse is assessing a patient with schizophrenia who exhibits flat affect and social withdrawal these symptoms are classified as
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Mental Health Practice A

1. When assessing a patient with schizophrenia who exhibits flat affect and social withdrawal, these symptoms are classified as:

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Flat affect and social withdrawal are characteristic of negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Negative symptoms involve disruptions to normal emotions and behaviors, such as reduced emotional expression (flat affect) and social withdrawal. These symptoms reflect a decrease or absence of normal functions. Positive symptoms, on the other hand, involve the presence of abnormal behaviors or experiences, such as hallucinations and delusions, which are added to a person’s experiences. Cognitive symptoms relate to difficulties with thinking, memory, and processing information, impacting cognition. Mood symptoms involve disturbances in mood regulation, which is distinct from the flat affect seen in negative symptoms.

2. James is a 42-year-old patient with schizophrenia. He approaches you as you arrive for the day shift and anxiously reports, 'Last night, demons came to my room and tried to rape me.' Which response would be most therapeutic?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Response C is the most therapeutic as it shows empathy and encourages the patient to express their feelings and share more about their experience. By actively listening and inviting the patient to talk, the nurse creates a supportive environment that can help the patient feel heard and understood, which is essential in building trust and rapport in therapeutic communication with individuals experiencing schizophrenia.

3. When planning care for a client with schizophrenia, which of the following interventions should be included in the plan of care?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for a client with schizophrenia, encouraging reality testing is essential. This intervention assists the client in distinguishing between delusions and reality, aiding in their treatment. While providing opportunities for socialization can help reduce isolation, monitoring for command hallucinations is crucial for the client's safety. Promoting adherence to the medication regimen is vital for symptom management. Addressing delusional thoughts in a therapeutic manner is preferable to outright discouragement, fostering a supportive environment for the client.

4. What information should the nurse include in patient education for a patient prescribed valproic acid for bipolar disorder?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Regular blood tests are crucial when taking valproic acid to monitor the medication levels in the bloodstream. This monitoring helps ensure that the patient is receiving the correct dosage for effective treatment and to prevent adverse effects associated with either subtherapeutic or toxic levels of the medication. Choice A is incorrect because there is no specific interaction between valproic acid and dairy products. Choice C is incorrect as valproic acid can generally be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Choice D is incorrect as abruptly stopping valproic acid can lead to withdrawal symptoms and worsening of the condition.

5. A client has been diagnosed with depersonalization/derealization disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Depersonalization/derealization disorder is characterized by feelings of detachment from one's body or surroundings. Individuals with this disorder may feel like they are observing themselves from outside their body or that the world around them is unreal. Therefore, the nurse should expect behaviors such as feelings of detachment from one's body (A). Fear of gaining weight (B) is more indicative of an eating disorder, paralysis of a limb (C) could be related to neurological issues, and episodes of hypomania (D) are associated with mood disorders like bipolar disorder, but not specifically with depersonalization/derealization disorder.

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