Learn about the nursing care management of patients with schizophrenia. Show
What is Schizophrenia?Despite it being one of the most common psychiatric disorders, schizophrenia is usually misunderstood. Here is how it is described and defined:
IncidencesSchizophrenia occurs in all societies without regard to class, color, and culture.
CausesLike many diseases, schizophrenia is linked to various factors.
Signs and SymptomsBehaviors and functional deficiencies seen in schizophrenia vary widely among patients.
Positive Symptoms
Negative Symptoms
Cognitive Symptoms
Phases of SchizophreniaSchizophrenia usually progresses through three distinct phases: Prodromal Phase
Active Phase
Residual Phase
Types of SchizophreniaSchizophrenia is classified into five subtypes: Paranoid
Disorganized
Catatonic
Undifferentiated
Residual
DiagnosisThe basis for diagnosing schizophrenia is formed by mental status examination, psychiatry history, and careful clinical observation.
Medical ManagementHere’s how schizophrenia is medically managed:
Nursing ManagementHere are the nursing responsibilities for taking care of patients with schizophrenia: Nursing Assessment
Nursing Diagnoses
Nursing Care Planning and GoalsMain Article: 6 Schizophrenia Nursing Care Plans
Nursing Interventions
Evaluation
Documentation GuidelinesThe following are to be documented in the patient’s chart:
Practice Quiz: SchizophreniaHere’s a 5 item quiz about Schizophrenia. If you need more visit our NCLEX page and NCLEX Psychiatric Nursing: Schizophrenic Disorders (15 Items) 1. The nurse would be correct in associating paranoid symptoms to increase in which neurotransmitter? A. Prostaglandin 2. A newly admitted patient can’t take care of his personal needs, shows insensitivity to painful stimuli, and exhibits negativism. The nurse would classify the patient in which subtype? A. Paranoid schizophrenia 3. Which of the following are negative symptoms of schizophrenia? A. apathy and delusion 4. The statement made by Steve “My co-workers envy me and are out to take me down. I swear they have hidden cameras everywhere I go!” would be documented as: A. Magical thinking 5. The following are atypical antipsychotics, except: A. Olanzapine Answers and Rationale 1. Answer: B. Dopamine. Delusional or paranoid symptoms are associated with increased dopamine activity. Norepinephrine is associated with positive schizophrenic symptoms. 2. Answer: C. Catatonic schizophrenia.
3. B. lack of motivation, blunted affect, and apathy. Negative symptoms are also called as deficit symptoms. 4. Answer: C. Delusions. These are false ideas and are accepted by the patient as true. Specifically, this is delusion of persecution. 5. Answer: C. Prolixin References
External Links & Further Reading
How do you manage relapse in schizophrenia?First Steps to Take If a Schizophrenia Relapse Occurs. Staying on medication.. Avoiding stress.. Avoiding drugs and alcohol.. Sleeping and eating well.. Not withdrawing from friends and loved ones.. Having a social support system.. Getting psychosocial treatments.. What are some nursing interventions for schizophrenia?Nursing Interventions. Establish trust and rapport. ... . Maximize level of functioning. ... . Promote social skills. ... . Ensure safety. ... . Ensure adequate nutrition. ... . Keep it real. ... . Deal with hallucinations by presenting reality. ... . Promote compliance and monitor drug therapy.. What is relapse prevention in schizophrenia?What is relapse prevention for schizophrenia? Studies have shown that about 80% of patients relapse to psychosis within 5 years of initial diagnosis. Antipsychotic drugs have played a central role in the treatment of schizophrenia for more than 50 years and antipsychotic use significantly reduces the risk of relapse.
What are the most important initial interventions in treating patient with schizophrenia?Antipsychotics are usually recommended as the initial treatment for the symptoms of an acute schizophrenic episode. They work by blocking the effect of the chemical dopamine on the brain.
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