Schizophrenia- is composed of a broad collection of symptoms from all domains of mental function.

The
termschizophrenia literally means split mind it is often confused with a split or multiple personality. Individuals
affected with such syndrome may show a wide range of disruptionsin their ability to see, hear and otherwise process
information from the world around them. They may also experience disruption in their normal thought processes, as
well as their emotions and behaviors.
This basic aspect of disturbance in a patient can be resulted in a lifetime disability, periodic hospitalization and a
failure and social relationships. These relationships are often disrupted as a direct consequence of the affected
individuals withdrawal and inability to communicate, which may be alternate with bouts of disruptive behavior. Family
with schizophrenia can exacerbate a strain of caring for a mentally ill relative and the stigma of mental illness.
Because of the disorder is so severe, and many people will be afflicted sometime in their life. Schizophrenia is now
recognized as major public health concerns.

Nursing Diagnosis:Disturbed Thought Processes

Possible Etiologies
(Related to)
Inability to trust

Panic level of anxiety

Low self-esteem
Inadequate support systems
Negative role model
Repressed fears
Underdeveloped ego

Possible hereditary factor

Defining Characteristics
(Evidenced by)
Suspiciousness of others, resulting in

Alteration in societal participation

Inability to meet basic needs

Inappropriate use of defense mechanisms

Hypervigilance Distractibility Inappropriate nonreality-based thinking Inaccurate interpretation of environment

Goals/Objectives
Short-Term Goal
Client will develop trust in at least one staff member within 1 week.

Long-Term Goal
Client will demonstrate use of more adaptive coping skills, as evidenced by appropriateness of interactions and
willingness to participate in the therapeutic community.

Outcome Criteria

Client is able to appraise situations realistically and to refrain from projecting own feelings onto the
environment.
Client is able to recognize and clarify possible misinterpretations of the behaviors and verbalizations of others.
Client eats food from tray and takes medications without evidence of mistrust.4.Client appropriately interacts
and cooperates with staff and peers in therapeutic community setting.

Schizophrenia (NCP)Nursing Care Plan-Disturbed Thought Processes

Nursing actions

Rationale

Encourage same staff to work with client as

much as possible

To promote development of trusting relationship

Avoid physical contact.

Suspicious clients may perceive touch as a

threatening gesture.

Avoid laughing, whispering, or talking quietly

Suspicious clients often believe others are discussing

where client can see but not hear what is

being said.

them, and secretive behaviors reinforce the paranoid

feelings.
Honesty and dependability promote a trusting

Be honest and keep all promises.

relationship.

A creative approach may have to be used to

encourage food intake (e.g., canned food and

Suspicious clients may believe they are being

poisoned and refuse to eat food from the individually

clients own can opener or family-style meals).

prepared tray.
To verify that client is swallowing the tablets or
capsules. Suspicious clients may believe they

Mouth checks may be necessary after

medication administration

arebeing poisoned with their medication and attempt

to discard the pills.

Activities should never include anything

competitive. Activities that encourage a oneto-one relationship with the nurse or therapist
are best.

Competitive activities are very threatening to

suspicious clients.

Encourage client to verbalize true feelings.

Verbalization of feelings in a nonthreatening

The nurse should avoid becoming defensive

when angry feelings are directed at him or her.

environment may help client come to terms with longunresolved issues.

An assertive, matter-of-fact, yet genuine

approach is the least threatening to the
suspicious person.

The suspicious client does not have the capacity to

relate to an overly friendly, overly cheerful attitude.