Overview & Phases
Thinking, language, emotions, social behavior, and the ability to perceive reality.
Symptoms such as hallucination, delusions, and disorganized speech are classified as these..
positive symptoms
Over 50% of people with schizophrenia have this comorbidity.
substance use disorder (especially alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine)
First-generation (typical) antipsychotics primarily block this neurotransmitter receptor.
The therapeutic relationship with patients with schizophrenia is built on this foundation
truth, consistency, and clear communication
The typical onset of schizophrenia occurs in this age range.
late adolescence to early adulthood
15-25 in Men
25-35 in Women
Symptoms such as flat affect, anhedonia, and avolition are classified as these..
negative symptoms
Individuals with schizophrenia have an increased risk of this medical comorbidity that contributes to premature death.
cardiovascular & metabolic disorders
Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics block dopamine and this neurotransmitter.
serotonin (5-HT2A)
When a patient is experiencing hallucinations, the most therapeutic nurse response is to do this.
"i do not hear the voices, but I know they are real to you."
The prodromal phase of schizophrenia is best described as this.
The inability to experience pleasure is called this..
anhedonia
People with schizophrenia have a risk of suicide estimated at this percentage.
about 20% attempt and 5-10% complete suicide.
Clozapine (clozaril) is effective for treatment-resistant schizophrenia but requires monitoring for this dangerous side effect.
What is agranulocytosis (drop in WBCs)
Psychoeducation for patients and families emphasizes these two key areas to reduce relapse
medication adherence and recognizing early warning signs
The four main phases of schizophrenia are these.
2. acute
3. stabilization
4. maintenance (residual)
Speech that involves rapid shifts from one topic to another, loosely connected ideas, is called this.
loose associations
A major neurological condition sometimes triggered by antipsychotic medication, marked by muscle rigidity, fever, and automatic instability
neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as dystonia, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia are most associated with this drug class.
first-generation antipsychotics
Nursing intervention for a patient with disorganized thinking should include this
using simple, concrete communication and focusing on reality.
A patient recently admitted with schizophrenia is in the acute phase. Which is the priority nursing goal?
a) Improve social functioning
b) Control positive symptoms such as hallucinations
c) Focus on relapse prevention strategies
d) Enhance vocational skills
b) Control positive symptoms such as hallucinations
A nurse asks a patient with schizophrenia how they are doing. The patient replies, “It’s going to rain. Rain, train, pain, gain. The brain!” This is an example of:
a) Echolalia
b) Word salad
c) Clang association
d) Neologism
c) Clang association
A patient with schizophrenia is pacing, muttering, and suddenly yells, “The voices say I should die!” What is the nurse’s priority action?
a) Offer a PRN oral antipsychotic
b) Ask the patient to explain what the voices are saying
c) Ensure patient safety and assess for suicide risk
d) Distract the patient with an activity
c) Ensure patient safety and assess for suicide risk
A patient taking haloperidol develops muscle rigidity, fever, hypertension, and altered consciousness. What should the nurse do first?
a) Give benztropine (Cogentin)
b) Hold the medication and notify the provider immediately
c) Reassure the patient and monitor vital signs
d) Administer a PRN benzodiazepine
b) Hold the medication and notify the provider immediately
A patient with schizophrenia tells the nurse, “I am Jesus Christ, and I must save the world.” What is the nurse’s best response?
a) “That’s not true. You are not Jesus.”
b) “Tell me more about how you will save the world.”
c) “I don’t share your belief, but I understand this is real for you.”
d) “You need to focus on reality, not these ideas.”
c) “I don’t share your belief, but I understand this is real for you.”