The nurse attempting to establish a relationship with a severely withdrawn schizophrenic patient tells a preceptor that her frustration level is rising daily because the patient turns his head away each time she sits down near him

Question

The nurse states, "I am beginning to wonder what is wrong with me as a nurse.". The preceptor could be most helpful by explaining that among withdrawn patients with schizophrenia: (Select all that apply.) a. neurological changes interfere with social comfort and adjustment.
b. social disability results from the positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
c. a high degree of resistance exists, leading to rejecting behavior.
d. anxiety about emotional closeness is high and leads to avoidance.
e. males tend to be uncomfortable sharing feelings with female staff.
f. social skills may not have fully developed or may have regressed.

Answer 1

A, D, F
Persons with schizophrenia may often experience neurological changes that affect social skills, social comfort, and social functioning, leading to discomfort interacting with others and avoidance of socialization. Such persons may have difficulty trusting others; withdrawal into an inner world can be a defense against uncomfortable levels of anxiety. When someone attempts to establish a relationship with such a patient, the patient's anxiety rises until trust is established. Social disability tends to be related to the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Males with schizophrenia tend to have discomfort with staff of both genders. Although resistance can develop and interfere with interactions, this is not a primary factor in the overall difficulties that many persons with schizophrenia tend to have in interactions and interpersonal relationships.