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?

Choice A reason: Distorted beliefs are positive symptoms of schizophrenia, involving active delusions. Negative symptoms involve deficits, like emotional absence, making this incorrect for identifying a negative symptom. Choice B reason: Lack of emotions, or flat affect, is a negative symptom of schizophrenia, reflecting reduced emotional expression. This deficit is a hallmark of negative symptomatology, making it the correct choice. Choice C reason: Paranoia is a positive symptom, involving active psychotic thoughts. Negative symptoms are absences, like lack of emotion, making this incorrect for the negative symptom category. Choice D reason: Confusion is not a primary schizophrenia symptom but may occur in other conditions. Negative symptoms involve emotional or motivational deficits, making this incorrect compared to lack of emotions.