The onset of schizophrenia most commonly occurs during the decade of age in the:

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Age Specific Patient Care Quizlet Questions

Question 1 of 5

The onset of schizophrenia most commonly occurs during the decade of age in the:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (20s) because research shows that the peak onset of schizophrenia is typically during late adolescence to early adulthood, which aligns with the age range of the 20s. During this period, the brain undergoes significant developmental changes, making individuals more vulnerable to developing schizophrenia. Choices A (Teens), C (30s), and D (40s) are incorrect because while schizophrenia can develop at any age, the majority of cases emerge during the 20s. Schizophrenia rarely starts in the teenage years (A), and onset in the 30s (C) or 40s (D) is less common compared to the 20s.

Question 2 of 5

A child, aged 11 years, stays home from school to care for his siblings while his mother works, because the family cannot afford a babysitter. The home is cluttered and dirty when the community mental health nurse visits to investigate the child's school absences. When the parents arrive home from work, the child's father behaves angrily. He orders his wife and son about. He finds fault with the son, asking him twice, 'Why are you such a stupid kid?' The wife tells the nurse she has difficulty disciplining the children and gets frustrated easily. The nurse desires to build some trust and continue to gather assessment data. The remark or question that would interfere with the nurse's goals is:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Asking about physical abuse can be perceived as accusatory, defensive, or judgmental, hindering trust-building and data collection. It may lead to denial or termination of communication. Choices A and B are relevant to understanding parenting skills, while C shows empathy. These questions align with the nurse's goal of assessing the family's dynamics without inciting defensiveness or shutting down communication.

Question 3 of 5

A 19-year-old client is admitted for the second time in 9 months and is acutely psychotic with a diagnosis of undifferentiated schizophrenia. The client sits alone rubbing her arms and smiling. She tells the nurse her thoughts cause earthquakes and that the world is burning. The nurse assesses the primary deficit associated with the client's condition as:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Disturbed thinking. In this scenario, the client's belief that her thoughts cause earthquakes and the world is burning are examples of delusions, which are a key symptom of schizophrenia. This demonstrates a disturbance in the client's thought process, indicating a primary deficit in thinking. Altered mood states (A) may be present as well but are not the primary deficit in this case. Social isolation (C) is a consequence of the client's symptoms rather than the primary deficit. Poor impulse control (D) is not the primary issue presented in the scenario.

Question 4 of 5

A client with undifferentiated schizophrenia is readmitted for an acute exacerbation of the disorder. The goal of hospitalization is symptom stabilization. The nurse has documented that, in addition to experiencing auditory hallucinations, the client seems uninterested in activities, has difficulty completing tasks, seems forgetful, and seems puzzled by information and directions given by staff. The nurse's plans for intervention will be effective if these behaviors are attributed to:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Problems in cognitive functioning. In undifferentiated schizophrenia, cognitive deficits such as difficulty completing tasks, forgetfulness, and confusion are common symptoms. These behaviors are indicative of cognitive impairment rather than social isolation, deficient knowledge, or low self-esteem. Cognitive deficits in schizophrenia can affect memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, leading to difficulties in daily functioning. Therefore, the nurse's interventions should focus on addressing these cognitive impairments to stabilize the client's symptoms.

Question 5 of 5

A patient with schizophrenia has received typical (first-generation) antipsychotics for a year. His hallucinations are less intrusive, but he remains apathetic, has poverty of thought, cannot work, and is socially isolated. To address these symptoms, the nurse might consult the prescribing health care provider to suggest a change to:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: olanzapine (Zyprexa). Olanzapine is an atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic that addresses both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. In this case, the patient still experiences negative symptoms like apathy, poverty of thought, and social withdrawal. Olanzapine has been shown to be effective in improving negative symptoms and overall functioning in patients with schizophrenia. A: haloperidol is a typical (first-generation) antipsychotic that primarily targets positive symptoms like hallucinations, not negative symptoms. C: diphenhydramine is an antihistamine with no known efficacy for treating schizophrenia symptoms. D: chlorpromazine is a typical antipsychotic like haloperidol and is not typically used for addressing negative symptoms.

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