Question

The chart of a client with schizophrenia states that the client has echolalia. The nurse can expect the client to: A. Speak using words that rhyme B. Repeat words or phrases used by others C. Include irrelevant details in conversation D. Make up new words with new meanings

Short answer

Answer: Repeat words or phrases used by others.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the term "echolalia"

Echolalia is a psychiatric symptom where individuals repeat words or phrases spoken by others. It is often associated with schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurological or psychiatric conditions.

Analyze the given options

Now that we know the meaning of echolalia, we can analyze the given options: A. Speak using words that rhyme - This option refers to a different type of speech pattern and is not related to echolalia, so we can eliminate this option. B. Repeat words or phrases used by others - This is the correct option. As mentioned earlier, echolalia is the repetition of words or phrases spoken by others. C. Include irrelevant details in conversation - Including irrelevant details in conversation is a sign of disorganized thinking or speech, which is a different symptom, not related to echolalia. So, we can eliminate this option. D. Make up new words with new meanings - This refers to neologisms, which is another psychiatric symptom where individuals create new words or phrases with personal meanings. This is different from echolalia, and we can eliminate this option.

Choose the correct option

Based on our analysis, we can determine that option B (Repeat words or phrases used by others) is the correct choice. This is the behavior we can expect a client with schizophrenia and echolalia to display.

Key concepts

Understanding Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder that affects a person's ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. It's characterized by a range of symptoms, including auditory hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. The onset of schizophrenia typically occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, and its symptoms can be very disruptive to a person's life and the lives of those around them.

One of the common misconceptions about schizophrenia is that it means split personality, which it doesn't. Instead, the term refers to a fractured or disjointed interpretation of reality. Treatment for schizophrenia often involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and support services. Understanding this condition is essential for students preparing for exams like the NCLEX-PN, as nurses play a crucial role in the care and management of patients with schizophrenia.

Psychiatric Symptoms

• Echolalia: As we dig deeper into psychiatric symptoms, echolalia stands out due to its relevance for individuals with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. As mentioned, echolalia is the repetition of words or phrases spoken by another person, often found in schizophrenia but also associated with other conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder and Tourette syndrome.
• Neologisms: These are newly created words or expressions that have meaning to the individual, often found in schizophrenia patients.
• Disorganized Thought: This can manifest as garbled or incoherent speech, or the inclusion of unnecessary and irrelevant details in conversation.

These psychiatric symptoms form part of the complex presentation of schizophrenia. Recognizing these symptoms and understanding their implications is essential for providing comprehensive psychiatric care.

NCLEX-PN Exam Preparation

Preparing for the NCLEX-PN exam requires a comprehensive understanding of various medical and psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia. The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) assesses a candidate's readiness for entry-level nursing practice. To prepare effectively, students should:

• Study from a range of resources, including textbooks and online educational platforms, to understand conditions like schizophrenia in depth.
• Practice with sample questions and simulations that mirror the format of the NCLEX-PN to become familiar with its structure and the type of content that will be encountered.
• Focus on mastering content areas like psychiatric nursing, as questions related to psychiatric disorders and symptoms are a significant part of the exam.
• Consider forming study groups to discuss and clarify complex topics such as echolalia within schizophrenia.

Ultimately, consistent, focused study and understanding the clinical manifestations of psychiatric symptoms are key strategies in NCLEX-PN exam preparation.