Page 2286 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

Alogia (poverty of speech): Reduced volume or lack of spontaneous comments
and overly brief responses.
Associative Looseness: Disjointed mental threads that tie thoughts logically
together.
Clang Association: Repetition of words or phrases that are similar in sound but
in no other way
Echolalia: Repetition of words or phrases heard from another person
Mutism: Absence of verbal speech
Neologism: A newly devised word that has special meaning only to the client
Pressured Speech: Speaking as if the words are being forced out quickly
Religiosity: Excessive preoccupation with religious ideas.
Tangentiality: Digression from one topic to another without ever completing
the thought or reaching a conclusion.
Verbigeration: Purposeless repetition of words or phrases
Word Salad (Schizophasia): Form of speech in which words or phrases are
connected meaninglessly

Box 65-14

Interventions for Schizophrenia

▪ Maintain a safe environment.
▪ Set limits on the client’s behavior if the client is unable to do so, especially when
it interferes with others and becomes disruptive.
▪ Assess the client’s physical needs.
▪ Initiate one-on-one interaction and progress to small groups as tolerated.
▪ Monitor for altered thought processes.
▪ Maintain ego boundaries and avoid touching the client.

▪ Avoid an overly warm approach; a neutral approach is less threatening.
▪ Do not make promises to the client that cannot be kept.
▪ Establish daily routines.
▪ Assist the client to improve grooming and accept responsibility for personal
care.
▪ Provide brief, frequent contact with the client; limit time of interaction with the
client.
▪ Tell the client when you are leaving.
▪ Tell the client when you do not understand what she or he is saying.
▪ Do not “go along” with the client’s delusions or hallucinations.
▪ Provide simple, concrete activities, such as puzzles or word games.
▪ Reorient the client as necessary.
▪ Help the client establish what is real and unreal.
▪ Stay with the client if she or he is frightened.
▪ Speak to the client in a simple, direct, and concise manner.

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