Title: Care of Clients with Schizophrenia & Other Psychotic Disorders
Course: NUR 1521C Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing > Section: Module 3

This unit will focus on the concept of schizophrenia and related psychoses, psychological and biological factors influencing the development of these disorders, and treatment methods. Emphasis will be placed on the use of the nursing process in various client care and community settings. Client and family teaching will be stressed. This unit will also focus on crisis situations. Homeland security, natural disasters, increased personal and public violence and unpredictable life changes all increase the chances that nurses will deal with the sequel of violence and crisis situations.

Learning Outcomes: ADN Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

- Use effective communication skills appropriate for nursing.
- Apply clinical judgment in providing care throughout the lifecycle using the nursing process.
- Demonstrate a commitment to ethical/legal practice and continuous learning for personal and professional growth.
- Provide competent and safe client care in health care settings.
- Engage in teaching and learning with clients throughout the lifecycle.

Objectives

- Explain the concept of schizophrenia and theories related to the development of the illness. (SLO#1)
- Compare predisposing factors including neurobiological-anatomical and genetic findings that influence the development of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. (SLO#1,5)
- Differentiate between the types of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. (SLO#1,5)
- Differentiate between the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. (SLO#1,4)
Interpret common symptoms of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. (SLO#1,4)
- Formulate appropriate nursing diagnoses, goals and interventions for clients with schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. (SLO1,2,4)
- Prioritize specific nursing interventions and rationales for paranoid, catatonic and disorganized schizophrenia. (SLO#1)
- Compare and contrast the properties, side effects and nursing measures and client teaching of traditional vs. atypical antipsychotic medications. (SLO#1,5)
- Explain specific information needed for client and family education related to the management of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. (SLO#1,5)
- Clarify criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of nursing actions for clients with schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. (SLO#1,2,4)
- Clarify the types and phases of crisis. (SLO#1)
- Develop a care plan for a client in crisis utilizing all the parts of the nursing process. (SLO#1,2,3,4)
- Describe theories related to anger and aggression. (SLO#1)
- Illustrate de-escalation approaches and interventions used to de-escalate violent behavior. (SLO#1,2,3,4)
- Give examples of clients most at risk to develop violent behaviors. (SLO#1)

Learning Activities

- Lecture and discussion on unit objectives.
- Cooperative learning activities.
- Use digital media, videos, and other instructional aids as indicated.

Reading Assignments

Varcarolis, E.;  Halter, M,. (2010). Foundations of Mental Health Nursing (6th ed.) St. Louis Missouri: Saunders/Elsevier.

- Chapter 15 Schizophrenia
- Chapter 23 Crisis
- Chapter 25 Anger and Aggression

Recommended Reading

Varcarolis, E.(2006). Manual of Psychiatric Nursing Care Plans (5th ed.) St. Louis Missouri: Saunders/Elsevier

- Chapter 8 Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
- Chapter 13 Crisis.
- Chapter 17 Anger and Aggression

Internet Resources

- Note related web sites in textbook.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- What is Schizophrenia? (NAMI)
- The Sights and Sounds of Schizophrenia