Author Question: When obtaining a client's history, a nurse determines that the client has been experiencing ... (Read 74 times)

rayancarla1 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

When obtaining a client's history, a nurse determines that the client has been experiencing delusions and hallucinations for the past 3 months, which has caused some problems in his ability to function at work.

He also is exhibiting catatonic excitement, echopraxia, loose associations, and pressured speech. The nurse suspects which of the following?

A) Schizophrenia
B) Schizoaffective disorder
C) Brief Psychotic disorder
D) Schizophreniform disorder

Question 2

A nurse is preparing to document information obtained from a client diagnosed with a delusional disorder who is experiencing somatic delusions. Which of the following would the nurse most likely document?

A) Disorientation
B) Reduced attention span
C) Above average intelligence
D) Body complaints

lorealeza77 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: D
The essential features of schizophreniform disorder are identical to those of criteria A for schizophrenia (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, negative symptoms), with the exception of the duration of the illness, which can be less than 6 months but with symptoms present for at least 1 month. Schizophrenia would be as described, but the symptoms must persist for at least 6 months. In brief psychotic disorder, the length of the episode is at least 1 day but less than 1 month. With schizoaffective disorder, the client must have an uninterrupted period of illness when there is a major depressive, manic, or mixed episode, along with two of the following symptoms of schizophrenia: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized or catatonic behavior, or negative symptoms.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: D
Clients usually live with delusions for years, rarely receiving psychiatric treatment unless their delusion relates to their health (somatic delusion). Clients with delusional disorder show few, if any, psychological deficits. These clients characteristically have average or marginally low intelligence. Mental status generally is not affected. Thinking, orientation, affect, attention, memory, perception, and personality are generally intact.