Question

A nurse is completing an admission assessment for a client who has schizophrenia. Which of the following findings should the nurse document as positive symptoms? (SATA)

A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Lack of motivation
C. Use of clang associations
D. Delusion of persecution
E. Constantly waving arms
F. Flat affect

ATI RN Mental Health Nursing Modules Ch. 14 Notes

Answer 1

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia include auditory hallucinations, delusion of persecution, and use of clang associations.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse documenting findings as positive symptoms of schizophrenia in an admission assessment should include:

1. Auditory hallucinations: Schizophrenic patients may experience hearing voices or sounds that are not actually present.
2. Delusion of persecution: This involves a false belief that one is being targeted, harmed, or conspired against.
3. Use of clang associations: This refers to the use of words or phrases based on sound rather than meaning, resulting in nonsensical speech.

Positive symptoms are behaviors or experiences that are not normally present in healthy individuals. Other options listed, such as lack of motivation, waving arms, and flat affect, are examples of negative symptoms, which involve a reduction or absence of normal behaviors or emotional expressions.