Chapter 24: Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders
Steele: Keltner’s Psychiatric Nursing,
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A patient laughs while saying, ―My dog died yesterday.‖ The nurse documents this behavior
using what terminology?
a. Autistic
b. Ambivalence
c. Inappropriate affect
d. Associative looseness
ANS: C
Speaking of a sad topic while laughing exemplifies inappropriate affect. Autism is characterized
by having little concern for external reality. Ambivalence is the simultaneous presence of
opposite emotions. Associative looseness is characterized by stringing unrelated topics together.
DIF: Cognitive level: Applying TOP: Nursing process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
2. What assessment data calls the diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder into question?
a. Symptoms first noted 36 months ago
b. Patient reports ‗hearing voices‖.
c. Patient being treated for depression
d. Mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 23
ANS: A
Patients with schizophreniform disorder display symptoms that are typical of schizophrenia and
last at least 1 month but no longer than 6 months. The other statements reflect assessment
findings associated with those of schizophrenia.
, DIF: Cognitive level: Analyzing TOP: Nursing process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
3. A patient displays disorganized speech and behavior as well as a flat affect. The patient prefers to
sit alone and often appears to be listening and responding to unseen stimuli. What should the
nurse do to begin a therapeutic relationship?
a. Take the patient to a medication education class.
b. Offer a simple activity and sit with the patient.
c. Ask the patient what the voices are saying.
Steele: Keltner’s Psychiatric Nursing,
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A patient laughs while saying, ―My dog died yesterday.‖ The nurse documents this behavior
using what terminology?
a. Autistic
b. Ambivalence
c. Inappropriate affect
d. Associative looseness
ANS: C
Speaking of a sad topic while laughing exemplifies inappropriate affect. Autism is characterized
by having little concern for external reality. Ambivalence is the simultaneous presence of
opposite emotions. Associative looseness is characterized by stringing unrelated topics together.
DIF: Cognitive level: Applying TOP: Nursing process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
2. What assessment data calls the diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder into question?
a. Symptoms first noted 36 months ago
b. Patient reports ‗hearing voices‖.
c. Patient being treated for depression
d. Mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 23
ANS: A
Patients with schizophreniform disorder display symptoms that are typical of schizophrenia and
last at least 1 month but no longer than 6 months. The other statements reflect assessment
findings associated with those of schizophrenia.
, DIF: Cognitive level: Analyzing TOP: Nursing process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
3. A patient displays disorganized speech and behavior as well as a flat affect. The patient prefers to
sit alone and often appears to be listening and responding to unseen stimuli. What should the
nurse do to begin a therapeutic relationship?
a. Take the patient to a medication education class.
b. Offer a simple activity and sit with the patient.
c. Ask the patient what the voices are saying.
