A nurse is planning care for a client who has schizophrenia and is having difficulty expressing their feelings. Which of the following referrals should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: Art therapy is particularly effective for clients with schizophrenia who struggle to verbalize emotions. Creative expression through art provides a nonverbal outlet for feelings and can enhance communication, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. This makes option A the correct answer. Choice B reason: A speech-language pathologist focuses on communication disorders related to speech, language, and swallowing. While helpful for clients with speech impairments, this referral does not address emotional expression difficulties in schizophrenia. This option is incorrect. Choice C reason: A social worker assists with social services, housing, and community resources. While valuable for overall support, this referral does not directly address the client’s difficulty expressing feelings. This option is incorrect. Choice D reason: A recreational therapist focuses on leisure activities to improve socialization and quality of life. While beneficial, recreational therapy does not specifically target emotional expression. This option is incorrect.