Understanding Schizophrenia and how to care for it...Nursing Care Plan
See more lessons and download free Nursing School cheatsheets at NURSING.com https://www.nursing.com/?utm_medium=e... Welcome to the NURSING Family, we call it the most supportive nursing cohort on the planet. At NURSING.com, we want to help you remove the stress and overwhelm of nursing school so that you can focus on becoming an amazing nurse. SCHIZOPHRENIA...NURSING CARE PLAN Pathophysiology Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves. Patients often have difficulty distinguishing between reality and imagination and have difficulty communicating with others. Schizophrenia tends to run in families, but most frequently appears to be related to an imbalance of neurotransmitters (dopamine, glutamate and serotonin) that change the way the brain reacts to stimuli. Patients are not normally violent, but may react defensively to even the most well-intended gestures or stimuli. Etiology Diagnostic Criteria: The patient must have experienced at least two of the following symptoms, one of which must be a positive symptom. Positive symptoms Delusions Hallucinations Disorganized speech Disorganized (or catatonic) behavior Negative symptoms Flat affect Decrease in emotional range Loss of interest in activities Reduced speaking Symptoms must be present for at least 6 months with at least one month of active symptoms. Symptoms are not related to substance use/abuse or any other medical condition. Desired Outcome Patient will communicate effectively. Patient will demonstrate reality-based thought processes. Patient will demonstrate ability to distinguish between reality and hallucinations. Subjective Data: Hallucinations Feeling of being watched (paranoia) Change in personality Inability to sleep Inability to concentrate Feelings of indifference Objective Data: Awkward body positioning Decreased or impaired speech Decline in academic or work performance Inappropriate behavior Extreme preoccupation with religion or the occult Flat affect Unprovoked outbursts or uninhibited actions Tense, anxious or erratic movements Wandering Visit us at https://nursing.com/medical-disclaimer/ for disclaimer information. NCLEX®, NCLEX-RN® are registered trademarks of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, INC. and hold no affiliation with NURSING.
