Psychotic Disorders no. 4016
QUESTION: The nurse is assigned to a client with catatonic schizophrenia. Which intervention should the nurse include in the client's care plan?
✓O a.) Meeting all of the client's physical needs
✘O b.) Giving the client an opportunity to express concerns
✘O c.) Administering lithium carbonate (Lithonate) as prescribed
✘O d.) Providing a quiet environment where the client can be alone
RATIONALERATIONALE: Because a client with catatonic schizophrenia can't meet physical needs independently, the nurse must provide for all of these needs, including adequate food and fluid intake, exercise, and elimination. This client is incapable of expressing concerns; however, the nurse should try to verbalize the message conveyed by the client's nonverbal behavior. Lithium is used to treat mania, not catatonic schizophrenia. Despite the client's mute, unresponsive state, the nurse should provide nonthreatening stimulation and should spend time with the client, not leave the client alone all the time. Although aware of the environment, the client doesn't interact with it actively; the nurse's support and presence can be reassuring.NURSING PROCESS STEP: PlanningCLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Physiological integrityCLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: Basic care and comfortCOGNITIVE LEVEL: Knowledge
