A client recently diagnosed with schizophrenia is brought to the mental health clinic by the identical twin sibling for the first follow-up visit after hospitalization. The client's sibling says to the nurse, "I read that schizophrenia runs in families. I guess I'm doomed." Which is the bestresponse by the nurse?

Question

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The best response should acknowledge the reality of the sibling's concern, provide information, and open the door to further discussion about the development of the disease. Research studies indicate that identical twins have about a 50% chance of developing schizophrenia if one twin develops the disease. This points to a genetic component, but schizophrenia is not entirely a genetic disease. The exact cause is unknown; it most likely results from the interaction and combination of a number of different risk factors. Theories about the cause of schizophrenia include the following: Biochemical theories - abnormalities affecting the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and glutamate Structural brain abnormalities - reduced size of certain brain areas Developmental factors - prenatal factors such as faulty neuronal connections Miscellaneous factors - birth trauma, epilepsy, maternal influenza during pregnancy (Option A) This response ignores the sibling's concerns and is judgmental. (Option B) This statement presents the facts in a blunt, non-therapeutic manner; it does not facilitate further discussion about the factors contributing to schizophrenia and/or the sibling's feelings. (Option C) This dismisses the sibling's concerns and is basically a "non-action" on the part of the nurse Educational objective: Information regarding the potential for development of a serious illness, such as schizophrenia, needs to be provided to clients in a realistic manner that allows for discussion and exploration of the client's feelings. The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown and is probably a combination of genetic, biochemical, structural, and developmental factors.

A Client Recently Diagnosed with Schizophrenia Is Brought to the Mental