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
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 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with a delusional disorder. While assessing this client, which of the following would the nurse expect to find?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Delusional disorder (
D) is characterized by persistent, non-bizarre delusions lasting at least one month without prominent mood or psychotic symptoms. Depression (
A) is not typical, disruptive behavior (
B) is uncommon, and delusions are not bizarre (
C) but plausible.