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    HESI RN Psychiatric and Mental Health Proctored Exam

    The nurse is providing teaching to a client and family about schizophrenia before discharge from an inpatient facility. The nurse should instruct the family to notify the healthcare provider when which behavior is observed?

    Explanation & Rationale

    Choice A reason: Fear of large dogs is a specific phobia, not a core schizophrenia symptom requiring provider notification. Social withdrawal indicates worsening negative symptoms or relapse, which is more critical. This fear is less concerning, making it incorrect for behaviors necessitating immediate healthcare provider contact.Choice B reason: Changes in appetite are nonspecific and may occur in many conditions, not necessarily indicating schizophrenia relapse. Social withdrawal is a more specific negative symptom signaling potential decompensation, making it a priority for notification. Appetite changes are less urgent, making this incorrect.Choice C reason: Social withdrawal is a key negative symptom of schizophrenia, often signaling relapse or worsening illness. Instructing the family to notify the provider ensures timely intervention, aligning with psychiatric management guidelines. This behavior is critical to monitor, making it the correct choice for discharge teaching.Choice D reason: Decreased attention to detail may occur in schizophrenia but is less specific than social withdrawal, which strongly indicates negative symptom progression. Attention issues are harder to quantify and less urgent, making this incorrect compared to withdrawal as a priority behavior for provider notification.

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