Question

Schizophrenia is associated with both positive and negative symptoms. While assessing a client with schizophrenia, the nurse notes that the client is experiencing positive symptoms; what does the nurse observe that leads to this conclusion? Select all that apply.

1) Hallucinations
2) Delusions
3) Disorganized speech
4) Catatonic behavior
5) Flat affect

Answer 1

A nurse identifies positive symptoms of schizophrenia by observing hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and catatonic behavior, which are active manifestations of psychosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Positive Symptoms in Schizophrenia

When a nurse assesses a client with schizophrenia and notes positive symptoms, they are identifying active manifestations of psychosis that are not present in healthy individuals. The positive symptoms of schizophrenia include:

• Hallucinations - Sensory experiences that appear real but are created by the mind, such as hearing voices.
• Delusions - Strongly held false beliefs that are not based in reality and may be paranoid, grandiose, or bizarre.
• Disorganized speech - Difficulty organizing thoughts and speaking coherently, often resulting in jumbled or incoherent conversation.
• Catatonic behaviour - Markedly decreased reactivity to the environment, which can manifest as lack of movement or speech.

A nurse observing these symptoms would not include flat affect in the list of positive symptoms, as flat affect is considered a negative symptom, characterized by a diminished emotional expression or a lack of emotional responsiveness.