Psychotic Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Question 1

Identify the positive symptom of schizophrenia that involves the presence of false beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Delusions

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Flat affect

Answer

Social withdrawal

Question 2

When a patient reports hearing voices instructing them to self-harm, which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Stay calm and assess the patient's safety

Answer

Debate the existence of the voices with the patient

Answer

Dismiss the patient's report as insignificant

Answer

Summon hospital security immediately

Question 3

In the pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia, which medication class is typically employed as the first-line option?

Accepted Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Question 4

For a patient with schizophrenia who expresses paranoid delusions about their neighbor spying on them, what is the primary nursing diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Disturbed thought processes

Answer

Risk for violence

Answer

Social isolation

Answer

Ineffective coping

Question 5

For a patient with schizotypal personality disorder who experiences unusual beliefs and magical thinking, which nursing intervention can enhance reality testing?

Accepted Answer

Provide structured activities that promote grounding and orientation

Answer

Encourage them to share their beliefs with others for feedback

Answer

Avoid challenging their beliefs as this could be counterproductive

Answer

Refer the patient for immediate medication without delay

Question 6

Which of the following is a positive symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Perceiving things that are not present in reality

Answer

Lack of motivation

Question 7

Which of the following is a core symptom of schizophrenia spectrum disorders?

Accepted Answer

Disorganized thinking

Answer

Depersonalization

Answer

Suicidal ideation

Answer

Obsessive thoughts

Question 8

What type of delusion involves a belief that one is being spied on or followed?

Accepted Answer

Persecutory delusion

Answer

Grandiose delusion

Answer

Nihilistic delusion

Answer

Somatic delusion

Question 9

Which of the following is a first-line antipsychotic medication for treating schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Risperidone

Answer

Lithium

Answer

Sertraline

Answer

Valproic acid

Question 10

What is the central tenet of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Challenging maladaptive beliefs and behaviors

Answer

Improving social skills

Answer

Managing stress and anxiety

Answer

Enhancing self-esteem

Question 11

Which assessment tool is commonly used to evaluate auditory hallucinations?

Accepted Answer

Hallucination Rating Scale (HRS)

Answer

Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)

Answer

Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS)

Answer

Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)

Question 12

Which of the following communication techniques is most appropriate when interacting with a patient experiencing delusions?

Accepted Answer

Using simple and clear language

Answer

Confronting the delusions directly

Answer

Ignoring the delusions

Answer

Asking open-ended questions

Question 13

Which nursing diagnosis has the highest priority in the care of a patient experiencing disorganized thinking?

Accepted Answer

Impaired Thought Processes

Answer

Disturbed Sensory Perception

Answer

Risk for Violence

Answer

Deficient Knowledge

Question 14

Which of the following is a positive symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Delusions (unfounded beliefs)

Answer

Alogia (reduced speech)

Answer

Flat affect (lack of emotion)

Answer

Anhedonia (loss of pleasure)

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic positive symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Experiences that are not shared by others

Answer

Diminished range of emotional expression

Answer

Limited interests and activities

Answer

Withdrawal from social interactions

Question 16

The disorganized type of schizophrenia is primarily characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Fragmented and incoherent speech and behavior

Answer

Preoccupations with grandiose ideas

Answer

Markedly diminished emotional expression

Answer

Persistent auditory hallucinations

Question 17

The primary pharmacological treatment approach for schizophrenia involves the use of:

Accepted Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Answer

Anti-anxiety medications

Question 18

The 'prodromal phase' of schizophrenia refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Early stages, before the onset of full-blown symptoms

Answer

Later stages, characterized by progressive cognitive decline

Answer

Period of recovery, during which symptoms subside

Answer

Acute exacerbation of symptoms, requiring hospitalization

Question 19

Which form of psychotherapy is commonly used in conjunction with medication for schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Transpersonal therapy

Question 20

In assessing a client with suspected schizophrenia, which finding is considered a 'first-rank symptom'?

Accepted Answer

Beliefs that others can read their thoughts

Answer

Feelings of being watched or followed

Answer

Limited range of interests and activities

Answer

Avoidance of social interactions

Question 21

In a legal case involving an individual with psychosis, which mental health professional is usually appointed to provide an evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Psychiatrist

Answer

Physician

Answer

Neurologist

Answer

Psychologist

Question 22

Which of the following is a hallmark positive symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Avolition

Answer

Anhedonia

Answer

Social withdrawal

Question 23

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia presents with disorganized speech. Which of the following best exemplifies disorganized speech?

Accepted Answer

Word salad

Answer

Flight of ideas

Answer

Perseveration

Answer

Echolalia

Question 24

In treating schizophrenia, which class of medication is typically employed as the initial line of defense?

Accepted Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Answer

Anticonvulsants

Question 25

Which subtype of schizophrenia is characterized by disorganized behavior, speech, and affect, along with impaired social functioning?

Accepted Answer

Disorganized

Answer

Paranoid

Answer

Catatonic

Answer

Undifferentiated

Question 26

In managing agitation in a patient with a psychotic disorder, which nursing intervention is most effective?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a calm demeanor and providing a safe environment

Answer

Administering sedative medications immediately

Answer

Applying physical restraints to prevent harm

Answer

Attempting to engage the patient in conversation to divert their attention

Question 27

In patients with schizophrenia, which factor poses the greatest risk for suicide attempts and completions?

Accepted Answer

Poor adherence to medication

Answer

Regular caffeine consumption

Answer

Strong social support

Answer

Presence of positive symptoms

Question 28

Which neurotransmitter system is primarily implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

GABA

Question 29

Which of the following medications is commonly used to treat positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Risperidone

Answer

Lithium

Answer

Valproic acid

Answer

Fluoxetine

Question 30

What is the key distinction between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder?

Accepted Answer

Schizoaffective disorder has prominent mood disturbances

Answer

Schizophrenia has a longer duration of symptoms

Answer

Schizophrenia is more severe than schizoaffective disorder

Answer

They are essentially the same disorder

Question 31

Which type of schizophrenia is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking?

Accepted Answer

Disorganized

Answer

Paranoid

Answer

Catatonic

Answer

Residual

Question 32

Which type of delusion is most frequently observed in schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Persecutory delusions

Answer

Grandiose delusions

Answer

Nihilistic delusions

Answer

Somatic delusions

Question 33

Which of the following medications is classified as a second-generation antipsychotic?

Accepted Answer

Olanzapine

Answer

Chlorpromazine

Answer

Haloperidol

Answer

Fluphenazine

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT considered a negative symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Grandiosity

Answer

Avolition

Answer

Anhedonia

Answer

Alogia

Question 35

How are hallucinations distinct from illusions?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations are perceived as real, while illusions are misinterpretations of actual stimuli

Answer

Illusions are perceived as real, while hallucinations are misinterpretations of actual stimuli

Answer

Hallucinations are visual, while illusions are auditory

Answer

Illusions are visual, while hallucinations are auditory

Question 36

What is the primary objective of occupational therapy in the context of schizophrenia treatment?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing social and vocational skills

Answer

Improving cognitive functioning

Answer

Reducing symptoms

Answer

Promoting physical health

Question 37

Which subtype of schizophrenia is characterized by disorganized speech and behavior?

Accepted Answer

Disorganized

Answer

Paranoid

Answer

Catatonic

Answer

Undifferentiated

Question 38

What is the primary goal of nursing care for individuals with schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Reduction of symptoms and improvement of functioning

Answer

Complete recovery from the disorder

Answer

Preventing relapse

Answer

Hospitalization of the individual

Question 39

Which of the following is a characteristic of positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Anhedonia

Answer

Alogia

Answer

Social withdrawal

Question 40

Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

GABA

Answer

Glutamate

Question 41

In the context of respecting patient autonomy in psychotic disorders, which ethical principle is most pertinent?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 42

Which type of medication is primarily indicated in the treatment of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Anxiolytics

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Question 43

Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a patient experiencing auditory hallucinations?

Accepted Answer

Listen attentively and validate the patient's feelings

Answer

Confront the patient about the hallucinations

Answer

Ignore the hallucinations

Answer

Change the subject to something else

Question 44

Which characteristic is typical of catatonic stupor?

Accepted Answer

Lack of movement

Answer

Mutism

Answer

Increased motor activity

Answer

Delusions of grandeur

Question 45

What is a distinguishing feature between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder?

Accepted Answer

Presence of mood symptoms

Answer

Severity of delusions

Answer

Age of onset

Answer

Treatment options

Question 46

Which of the following is a key symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Accepted Answer

Delusions

Accepted Answer

Disorganized thinking

Answer

Flat affect

Question 47

Which symptom is considered a hallmark of schizophrenia, distinguishing it from other psychotic disorders?

Accepted Answer

Thought disorder

Answer

Social isolation

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Delusions

Question 48

Which type of schizophrenia is characterized by a gradual onset with prominent negative symptoms, such as apathy and social withdrawal?

Accepted Answer

Residual schizophrenia

Answer

Disorganized schizophrenia

Answer

Catatonic schizophrenia

Answer

Paranoid schizophrenia

Question 49

What type of medication is typically used as the initial treatment for schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Atypical antipsychotic

Answer

Mood stabilizer

Answer

Anxiolytic

Answer

Antidepressant

Question 50

What is the primary goal of nursing care for individuals living with schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Promote symptom management and support functional recovery

Answer

Enhance social skills

Answer

Reduce hospitalization

Answer

Prevent relapse

Question 51

Which approach involves actively engaging family members in the treatment and support of individuals with schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Family psychoeducation

Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy

Answer

Cognitive therapy

Answer

Behavior modification

Question 52

What is a common complication associated with long-term use of antipsychotic medications?

Accepted Answer

Tardive dyskinesia

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Seizures

Answer

Hypertension

Question 53

Which defense mechanism is often employed by individuals with schizophrenia to cope with their experiences?

Accepted Answer

Projection

Answer

Rationalization

Answer

Displacement

Answer

Repression

Question 54

According to the DSM-5, what is the defining characteristic of a delusion?

Accepted Answer

A fixed false belief that is not based on reality, despite evidence to the contrary.

Answer

A persistent feeling of sadness and worthlessness.

Answer

An irrational fear that is uncontrollable.

Answer

A pattern of impulsive and reckless behavior.

Question 55

What is a therapeutic alliance in the context of treating schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

A strong, collaborative relationship built between the client and therapist, characterized by trust and mutual understanding.

Answer

A family-based approach to treatment.

Answer

The use of medication to manage symptoms.