A nurse is assessing a client who has schizophrenia and is exhibiting both positive and negative symptoms. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a negative symptom?

Choice A reason: Impaired memory may be present in schizophrenia but is considered a cognitive deficit rather than a classic negative symptom. Negative symptoms involve diminished emotional and behavioral functioning. Choice B reason: Paranoia is a positive symptom, reflecting the presence of delusional thinking or false beliefs. Positive symptoms add abnormal experiences to the client’s mental state. Choice C reason: Avolition, or lack of motivation to initiate and sustain purposeful activities, is a hallmark negative symptom. It reflects diminished goal-directed behavior and contributes to functional impairment. Choice D reason: Disorganized speech is a positive symptom, indicating thought disorder and impaired communication. It reflects abnormal additions to behavior rather than deficits.