A nurse is caring for a client who is diagnosed with schizophrenia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse identify as a negative symptom?

A. Paranoia: Paranoia is classified as a positive symptom of schizophrenia. It involves the presence of irrational fears and beliefs that others are plotting against the individual, which signifies an addition of abnormal thoughts or behaviors. B. Distorted beliefs: Distorted beliefs, such as delusions, are also considered positive symptoms. They represent an alteration in thought processes and an addition of false beliefs that are not grounded in reality. C. Confusion: Confusion may arise from various factors, including cognitive disturbances or acute psychotic episodes, but it is not classified as a negative symptom. It typically reflects disorganized thinking rather than a deficiency in emotional or behavioral responses. D. Lack of emotions: A lack of emotions, also known as flat affect, is a clear example of a negative symptom of schizophrenia. Negative symptoms are characterized by a reduction or absence of normal emotional responses, which can impact the individual's ability to express feelings and engage socially.