Question

A newly admitted client with an acute exacerbation of psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia is having trouble deciding whether to live in a group home or a supervised apartment. Based on the client's current cognitive functioning, which activity is most appropriate for the nurse to ask the client to do initially?

-List the pros and cons of each housing option.
-Choose between apple and orange juice for breakfast. Identify why the client cannot live in an unsupervised apartment.
-Decide which staff member the client would like to have today.

Answer 1

For a client with acute psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia, starting with a simple decision like choosing between apple or orange juice for breakfast is most appropriate, as it avoids overwhelming them and respects their current cognitive capacities.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to assessing the most appropriate activity for a nurse to ask a client with an acute exacerbation of psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia to do initially. Considering the complexity of the client's situation and potential cognitive impairments, the most suitable initial activity would be to have them choose between apple and orange juice for breakfast. This choice is simple and provides the client with an opportunity to make a decision without overwhelming them.

More complex decisions regarding housing can be addressed later as the client's cognitive functioning improves and as part of a larger treatment and support program that includes elements such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), social skills groups, and comprehensive services that address the aftermath of trauma.