Author Question: A client with a recent history of bizarre behavior is being assessed for schizophrenia. What is the ... (Read 58 times)

biggirl4568 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A client with a recent history of bizarre behavior is being assessed for schizophrenia. What is the definition of schizophrenia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision?

A) Schizophrenia can be diagnosed as soon as an individual states they are hearing voices.
B) Schizophrenia lasts at least 6 months and includes at least 1 month of two or more active-phase symptoms.
C) Schizophrenia lasts at least 1 month and must include the symptom of hallucinations.
D) Schizophrenia can be diagnosed as soon as an individual states they are hallucinating and delusional.

Question 2

A client tells the nurse she has bugs in her brain and asks if the nurse can hear them. Which of the following responses by the nurse is most therapeutic?

A) No, I don't hear any bugs. Are you seeing bugs or hearing unusual sounds or voices?
B) No, I don't hear any bugs. That sounds scary for you.
C) Your thinking is a little illogical. I wouldn't be able to hear bugs if they were inside your brain. Would you like to talk more about this?
D) You have a thought disorder and only think you have bugs in your brain. There really aren't any. You don't have to worry because we would give you medicine for any medical problems.

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

Answer to Question 1

Ans: B
Feedback:
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision (DSM-IV-TR), schizophrenia lasts at least 6 months and includes at least 1 month of two or more active-phase symptoms such as bizarre delusions, hallucinations (eg, a running commentary of two voices conversing), disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative behavior.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B
Feedback:
The person who hallucinates is preoccupied and frightened by what he or she hears or sees. The hallucination is real to the client, and the nurse cannot argue away, dismiss, or ignore it. Although the hallucination is real to the client, nurses make it clear that they do not hear the voices or see the visual images. Nurses do, however, communicate concern that the client is bothered, upset, or frightened by the hallucination.