PNH401 Midterm Test Questions and
All Correct Answers.
What is schizophrenia? - Answer A psychotic disorder that involves disruption of thought
process &/or perception. It is characterized by both positive and negative symptoms.
Schizophrenia - Pathophysiology & Etiology - Answer Exact cause unknown; complex
interactions among various factors - genetic factors, biochemical & structural brain factors, &
psychosocial factors
Schizophrenia - What is the difference b/w positive & negative symptoms? - Answer Positive
is the PRESENCE of delusions of hallucinations. Negative is the LACK of personality traits that
should normally be present
Schizophrenia - How long does the disorder need to be present for diagnosis? - Answer 6
months; symptoms for 1 month
Schizophrenia - Complications - Answer - Inability to function --> homelessness
- Neglect of other medical conditions
- Depression & suicide
- Substance use, abuse, or dependency
Schizophrenia - Nursing Assessment - Answer 1) Alterations in thinking &/or perceiving - i.e
positive symptoms
2) Alterations in behavioral responses - i.e negative symptoms
3) Associated symptoms of schizophrenia
What are extrapyramidal symptoms & what medication causes this? - Answer An adverse
effect of neuroleptic/ antipsychotic medication. Symptoms include tremor, slurred speech,
akathisia (restlessness w/need of movement), dystonia (uncontrolled muscle contractions),
anxiety, bradyphrenia (slowed thoughts)
Schizophrenia - Nursing Interventions - Answer 1) Strengthening differentiation between
delusions & reality
2) Promoting socialization
3) Improving activity intolerance (r/t Rx AE)
4) Improving coping w/thoughts & feelings
5) Ensuring safety
All Correct Answers.
What is schizophrenia? - Answer A psychotic disorder that involves disruption of thought
process &/or perception. It is characterized by both positive and negative symptoms.
Schizophrenia - Pathophysiology & Etiology - Answer Exact cause unknown; complex
interactions among various factors - genetic factors, biochemical & structural brain factors, &
psychosocial factors
Schizophrenia - What is the difference b/w positive & negative symptoms? - Answer Positive
is the PRESENCE of delusions of hallucinations. Negative is the LACK of personality traits that
should normally be present
Schizophrenia - How long does the disorder need to be present for diagnosis? - Answer 6
months; symptoms for 1 month
Schizophrenia - Complications - Answer - Inability to function --> homelessness
- Neglect of other medical conditions
- Depression & suicide
- Substance use, abuse, or dependency
Schizophrenia - Nursing Assessment - Answer 1) Alterations in thinking &/or perceiving - i.e
positive symptoms
2) Alterations in behavioral responses - i.e negative symptoms
3) Associated symptoms of schizophrenia
What are extrapyramidal symptoms & what medication causes this? - Answer An adverse
effect of neuroleptic/ antipsychotic medication. Symptoms include tremor, slurred speech,
akathisia (restlessness w/need of movement), dystonia (uncontrolled muscle contractions),
anxiety, bradyphrenia (slowed thoughts)
Schizophrenia - Nursing Interventions - Answer 1) Strengthening differentiation between
delusions & reality
2) Promoting socialization
3) Improving activity intolerance (r/t Rx AE)
4) Improving coping w/thoughts & feelings
5) Ensuring safety
