Schizophrenia Nursing Care Worksheet

A 25-year-old client with a new diagnosis of schizophrenia is admitted to the psychiatric unit. During the initial assessment, the client states, "The television is sending me secret messages telling me to prepare for the end of the world." Which of the following is the nurse's most therapeutic response?

• That's not real; the television isn't talking to you.

• Tell me more about the messages you are receiving.

• I understand you believe you are receiving messages, but I don't hear them.

• Let's change the subject and talk about your family instead.

A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who has been taking a typical antipsychotic medication for several weeks. The nurse observes the client sitting stiffly, with a shuffling gait, and appearing restless. The nurse anticipates the healthcare provider will likely order which class of medication to address these symptoms?

• Antidepressant

• Anticholinergic

• Beta-blocker

• Benzodiazepine

A client with chronic schizophrenia has been experiencing auditory hallucinations commanding them to harm themselves. The client has a history of suicide attempts. During a shift, the client says, "The voices are telling me to jump out the window again." Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention?

• Reorient the client to reality by discussing current events.

• Place the client on continuous one-on-one observation.

• Encourage the client to listen to music to drown out the voices.

• Ask the client to describe the content of the voices in more detail.

A nurse is planning care for a client with disorganized schizophrenia who has poor hygiene and refuses to participate in group activities. Which nursing diagnosis would be the highest priority?

• Social Isolation related to anhedonia

• Impaired Verbal Communication related to disorganized thinking

• Self-Care Deficit related to cognitive impairment

• Disturbed Thought Process related to delusional thinking

A client with major depressive disorder has been prescribed fluoxetine. The client asks, "How long will it take for this medication to help me feel better?" Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

• You should feel a difference within a few days.

• You should start to notice an improvement in your mood in 2 to 4 weeks.

• The effects of this medication are immediate, so you should feel better right away.

• Everyone responds differently, so it's hard to say.

During a home visit with a client who has a history of depression, the nurse notices the client's home is unkempt and they state, "I just don't have the energy for anything anymore." The nurse is using which phase of the nursing process?

• Planning

• Implementation

• Assessment

• Evaluation

A client with severe depression has been engaging in a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group. After several sessions, the client reports, "I was able to identify a negative thought and replace it with a more positive one when I felt overwhelmed this morning." The nurse interprets this as which of the following?

• The client is now ready for discharge from the program.

• The client is demonstrating an understanding of the therapeutic process.

• The client is still severely depressed and requires more intensive therapy.

• The client is experiencing a placebo effect from the group setting.

A nurse is caring for a client with depression who has a history of a suicide attempt. The client states, "My family would be better off without me." The nurse's most immediate action is to:

• Contact the client's family to discuss their feelings.

• Implement continuous one-on-one observation.

• Ask the client directly if they have a plan to harm themselves.

• Reassure the client that their family loves them.

A client with bipolar I disorder is admitted to the psychiatric unit in a manic state. The client is pacing the hallway, speaking loudly, and is easily distracted. Which intervention is most appropriate for the nurse to implement?

• Encourage the client to participate in a competitive group game.

• Provide a quiet, low-stimulus environment.

• Engage the client in a detailed discussion about their grandiose ideas.

• Allow the client to wander freely to expend their energy.

A nurse is teaching a client with newly diagnosed bipolar disorder about lithium. Which statement indicates the client needs further teaching?

• I need to maintain a consistent salt intake.

• I should drink plenty of fluids every day.

• I will stop taking my medication if I start feeling better.

• I need to report symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or tremors to my doctor.