Psychosis
What might some questions you ask a patient with psychosis be?
Date, Time, Location, Age, Name, Work, Family
aromatherapy, reorientate, activity, sitting quietly with patient
What neurotransmitter is affected in schizophrenia?
Dopamine
Increased dopamine in the mesolimbic tract, Decreased dopamine in the prefrontal cortex
Patients taking antipsychotics should avoid what?
Alcohol
What disorder is characterized by episodes of both depression and mania?
Bipolar disorder
When a client is hallucinating and sees a giant spider coming towards them, how should the nurse respond?
“There is no spider. You are safe in the hospital.”
The nurse should share reality with the patient.
What is an example of a positive symptom of schizophrenia?
hallucinations, delusions
constipation
dry mouth
increased heart rate
urinary retention
A client diagnosed with schizophrenia states, "Can't you hear him? It's the devil. He's telling me I'm going to hell." Which is the most appropriate nursing reply?
A. "Did you take your medicine this morning?"
B. "You are not going to hell. You are a good person."
C. "I'm sure the voices sound scary. The devil is not talking to you. This is part of your illness."
D. "The devil only talks to people who are receptive to his influence."
C. "I'm sure the voices sound scary. The devil is not talking to you. This is part of your illness."
Name some safety precautions to take while caring for a patient with psychosis
Low bed
Fall Risk
Side rails
Sitter
Low stimuli
What occurs in the residual phase of schizophrenia?
Stabilization, maintenance, control symptoms, return to functional status
Diagnosis often caused from long term use of antipsychotic drugs
Tardive Dyskinesia
The statement made by Steve “My co-workers envy me and are out to take me down. I swear they have hidden cameras everywhere I go!” would be documented as:
A. Magical thinking
B. Hallucinations
C. Delusions
D. Normal finding, and would warrant police investigation.
C. Delusions
A patient who has disorganized thinking runs out in the hall and is screaming. Which action is by the nurse would be most appropriate?
A. Administer PRN medication
B. Approach the patient in a calm way and guide them to their room
C. Apply restraints
D. Ignore the patient
B
Explanation: Before administering medication, the nurse should attempt to calm the patient.
No motivation, Social Withdrawal and Flat effect are all symptoms of schizophrenia exacerbation. Are these classified as positive or negative symptoms?
Negative
Negative symptoms are depressive, positive are psychosis.
Tremor, abnormal muscle movements, spasms, pacing or restlessness, tardive dyskinesia
Define the term Blocking when it comes to speech in a patient with disorganized thinking.
Interrupting abruptly
What important safety issue should the nurse assess in all clients with psychotic disorders?
Suicidal ideation
What are the 6 types of hallucinations?
Visual
Auditory
Tactile (touch)
Olfactory (smell)
Gustatory (taste)
Kinaesthetic (body movements)
You are assessing your patient after administering an antipsychotic, they have a fever of 102°, they are stiff, tachycardia, and diaphoretic.
What life threatening emergency is taking place?
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome