Schizophrenia Q 34
Nurse Winona educates the family about symptom management for when the schizophrenic client becomes upset or anxious. Which of the following would Nurse Winona state be helpful?
A. Call the therapist to request a medication change.
B. Encourage the use of learned relaxation techniques.
C. Request that the client be hospitalized until the crisis is over.
D. Wait before the anxiety worsens before intervening.
Correct Answer: B. Encourage the use of learned relaxation techniques.
The client with schizophrenia can learn relaxation techniques, which help reduce anxiety. The family can be supportive and helpful by encouraging the client to use these techniques. When client is ready, introduce strategies that can minimize anxiety and lower voices and “worrying” thoughts, teach client to do the following: focus on meaningful activities; learn to replace negative thoughts with constructive thoughts; perform deep breathing exercise; use a calming visualization or listen to music; or seek support from staff, family, or other supportive people.
Option A: Anxiety is a common experience for everyone, and is no reason to change medication. Handling anxiety is a learned skill that is important to reinforce. Keep the environment calm, quiet and as free of stimuli as possible to keep anxiety from escalating and increasing confusion and hallucinations/delusions.
Option C: There is no indication that the client is in crisis. 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: It is much easier to intervene early in anxiety rather than waiting until escalation occurs. Assess and observe clients regularly for signs of increasing anxiety and hostility. Intervene before the client loses control. Use a non-judgmental, respectful, and neutral approach with the client. There is less chance for a suspicious client to misinterpret intent or meaning if the content is neutral and the approach is respectful and non-judgemental.