Schizophrenia Q 1
Nurse Dorothy is evaluating care of a client with schizophrenia; the nurse should keep which point in mind?
A. Frequent reassessment is needed and is based on the client's response to treatment.
B. The family does not need to be included in the care because the client is an adult.
C. The client is too ill to learn about his illness.
D. Relapse is not an issue for a client with schizophrenia.
Correct Answer: A. Frequent reassessment is needed and is based on the client’s response to treatment.
Because the client responds to treatment in different ways, the nurse must constantly evaluate the client and his potential. A premorbid adjustment must also be considered. Assess if incoherence in speech is chronic or if it is more sudden, as in an exacerbation of symptoms. Establishing a baseline facilitates the establishment of realistic goals, the foundation for planning effective care.
Option B: Most clients with such conditions go home, so the family should be involved. Inform the client’s family in clear, simple terms about psychopharmacologic therapy: dose, duration, indication, side effects, and toxic effects. Written information should be given to the client and family members as well. Understanding of the disease and the treatment of the disease encourages greater family support and client adherence.
Option C: The client can learn about the illness if the information is provided gradually. Use simple, concrete, and literal explanations. Minimizes misunderstanding and/or incorporating those misunderstandings into delusional systems. Use therapeutic techniques (clarifying feelings when speech and thoughts are disorganized) to try to understand the client’s concerns. Even if the words are hard to understand, try getting to the feelings behind them.
Option D: Relapse is common in schizophrenia. Educating patients on the importance of modifying risk factors such as increasing exercise, healthier diets, and smoking cessation will decrease their risk of cardiovascular problems and reduce the mortality rate. Moreover, cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to improve patient compliance and decrease future hospital admissions.