Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is best described as a disorder that primarily affects:
Thought processes and perception of reality
A nurse observes a patient who speaks in a monotone voice, shows little facial expression, and does not react emotionally to good or bad news. How should the nurse document this finding?
Flat affect
Which disorder is characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and fatigue?
Major depressive disorder
Which medication class is most commonly used to treat schizophrenia?
Antipsychotics
Which statement by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication?
“Tell me more about what you’re feeling.”
Which symptom is considered a positive symptom of schizophrenia?
Hallucinations
What is a Labile affect
rapidly changing emotions
A patient experiencing mania is most likely to exhibit:
decreased need for sleep
A common side effect of typical antipsychotics is:
Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
A patient taking antipsychotics develops high fever, muscle rigidity, and confusion. What should the nurse do first?
Notify the provider immediately
A patient says, “The TV is sending me secret messages.” This is an example of:
Delusion
A patient knows who they are and where they are but cannot state the date or reason for hospitalization. How should this be documented?
A&O ×2
Which symptom best differentiates bipolar disorder from major depressive disorder?
Manic episodes
Which finding should the nurse report immediately in a patient taking antipsychotics?
Muscle rigidity and high fever
Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. Patient with anxiety waiting for discharge
B. Patient with depression refusing breakfast
C. Patient hearing voices telling them to kill someone
D. Patient with bipolar disorder sleeping 4 hours
Patient hearing voices telling them to kill someone
Which type of hallucination is most common in schizophrenia?
Auditory
Orientation to situation means the patient:
Understands why they are receiving care
Which are common symptoms of major depressive disorder?
☑ Loss of interest (anhedonia)
☑ Sleep disturbances
☑ Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
☑ Fatigue
Haloperidol (Haldol) is classified as a:
Typical antipsychotic
A patient can be alert but not oriented.
TRUE
The primary goal of treatment for schizophrenia is to:
Help the patient function at the highest possible level
Flat affect means:
absence or near absence of emotional expression
Name two nursing priorities for a patient experiencing severe depression.
Safety, suicide assessment, medication adherence, emotional support
Why is medication compliance important in psychiatric patients?
Prevent relapse, control symptoms, and avoid hospitalization
Which patient statement shows improved insight?
A. “I don’t need medication anymore.”
B. “The voices control my actions.”
C. “My illness affects how I think sometimes.”
D. “Nothing is wrong with me.”
“My illness affects how I think sometimes.”