ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 22 : Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Thought Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nursing instructor is developing a class lecture that compares and contrasts schizoaffective disorder with schizophrenia. When describing one of the differences between these two diagnoses, which of the following would the instructor include as reflecting schizoaffective disorder?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Schizoaffective disorder (
A) is characterized by episodic mood disturbances (depressive or manic) alongside psychotic symptoms, unlike the more persistent psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia. Self-care difficulties (
B) and hallucination severity (
C) are not distinguishing features, and suicide risk (
D) is not necessarily lower.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Based on the nurse?s understanding of this disorder, the nurse develops a plan of care to address which issue as the top priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Suicide (
A) is the top priority in schizoaffective disorder due to the combined risk of mood disturbances (e.g., depression) and psychosis, both of which elevate suicide risk. Aggression (
B), substance abuse (
C), and eating disorders (
D) are concerns but less immediate unless actively present.
Question 3 of 5
A family member of a client diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder asks a nurse what causes the disorder. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Research indicates a strong genetic component (
B) in schizoaffective disorder, with heritability estimates similar to schizophrenia. Family dynamics (
A) are not a primary cause, dopamine is overactive (
C) in psychosis, and birth order (
D) lacks evidence as a cause.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who was just admitted with a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder with depression. Which agent would the nurse anticipate as being prescribed for this client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clozapine (
D) is effective for schizoaffective disorder, addressing both psychotic and mood symptoms, especially in treatment-resistant cases. Lithium (
A) is primarily for bipolar disorder, and haloperidol (
B) and chlorpromazine (
C) are less effective for mood components.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing a newly admitted client diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. The nurse assesses the client?s level of anxiety and reactions to stressful situations, obtaining this information for which reason?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assessing anxiety and stress reactions (
C) in schizoaffective disorder helps predict suicide risk, as heightened anxiety can exacerbate mood and psychotic symptoms. Outcomes (
A), competency (
B), and social skills (
D) are less directly tied to this assessment.