Which intervention is particularly well chosen for addressing a population at high risk for developing schizophrenia?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Screening males aged 15 to 25 for early symptoms of schizophrenia is a well-chosen intervention as this age group is at a higher risk for developing the condition. Early identification can lead to timely treatment and better outcomes, making this intervention particularly effective in addressing the population at risk for schizophrenia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: First-generation antipsychotic medications are effective in reducing hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia. These medications primarily target positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Therefore, the nurse should inform the patient that she should experience a reduction in hallucinations with the prescribed first-generation antipsychotic medication.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Paranoia in patients with schizophrenia can lead to aggressive behaviors, including violence, which poses a significant risk of injury to others. Individuals experiencing paranoia may perceive others as threats and act defensively or aggressively in response, increasing the likelihood of harm to those around them.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The scenario describes Gilbert as having an early and slow onset of schizophrenia, which typically indicates a less positive prognosis. Individuals with such presentations may experience more severe symptoms and difficulties in functioning, leading to a poorer long-term outcome. In Gilbert's case, his challenges with completing tasks, social withdrawal, and fixation on security measures suggest a more challenging prognosis. Early detection and intervention are crucial in managing schizophrenia, but the described symptoms and onset pattern are concerning for a less favorable outcome.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is **C: "You say you hear voices, what are they telling you?"** because it employs **therapeutic communication techniques** that validate the patient's experience while encouraging further dialogue about their symptoms. This approach aligns with psychiatric nursing principles of **active listening, empathy, and nonjudgmental exploration** of the patient's reality. By asking the patient to elaborate, the nurse gathers clinically relevant information (e.g., content, frequency, and tone of hallucinations) without dismissing or escalating distress. It also fosters trust, as the patient feels heard rather than corrected, which is critical for therapeutic rapport. **Why other options are incorrect:** 1. **A: "I know you say you hear voices, but I cannot hear them."** This response **invalidates** the patient’s subjective experience by contrasting it with the nurse’s reality, which can alienate the patient. While it acknowledges the hallucination, the word "but" negates the patient’s perspective, potentially increasing feelings of isolation or mistrust. Therapeutic communication avoids **confrontation** unless safety is at risk, as it may reinforce delusional rigidity or defensiveness. 2. **B: "Stop listening to the voices, they are NOT real."** This is **countertherapeutic** for several reasons. First, it **directly challenges** the patient’s reality, which they perceive as factual. Hallucinations are involuntary; telling a patient to "stop" is ineffective and may provoke frustration or agitation. Second, the emphatic "NOT real" can escalate anxiety, as the patient’s brain processes the voices as real sensory input. Effective interventions focus on **coping strategies** (e.g., distraction) rather than denial. 3. **D: "Please tell the voices to leave you alone for now."** While less confrontational than B, this option **misunderstands the nature of psychotic symptoms**. Commanding a patient to dismiss hallucinations oversimplifies their lack of control over the experience. It may imply that the patient is choosing to engage with the voices, which can induce guilt or shame. Instead, nurses should help patients **develop agency** (e.g., "Would you like to try focusing on my voice instead?"). **Key distinctions:** - **Correct answer (C)** explores the symptom **collaboratively**, prioritizing assessment and rapport. - **Incorrect answers (A, B, D)** either dismiss, confront, or misinterpret the patient’s reality, undermining therapeutic goals. - Effective psychiatric communication **balances validation** ("You say you hear...") with **clinical inquiry** ("...what are they telling you?"), avoiding power struggles while gathering data to guide care. This rationale underscores the importance of **patient-centered, evidence-based communication** in psychiatric nursing, particularly for altered thought processes where empathy and validation are foundational to intervention.