Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What are positive symptoms observed in a patient with catatonic schizophrenia?

1. Flat affect

2. Delusions

3. Social withdrawal

4. Avolition

The correct answer is: Delusions

In the context of catatonic schizophrenia, positive symptoms refer to the presence of abnormal behaviors or thoughts that are not typically seen in healthy individuals. Delusions are a classic example of a positive symptom, characterized by firmly held false beliefs that are resistant to reason or confrontation with actual fact. In patients with catatonic schizophrenia, these delusions may manifest in various forms, such as paranoid beliefs or grandiose ideas, contributing to the overall disturbance in perception and thought processes experienced by the individual. Other options, such as flat affect, social withdrawal, and avolition, are typically categorized as negative symptoms. Negative symptoms pertain to the absence or reduction of normal emotional responses and behaviors, which can include diminished emotional expressiveness (flat affect), withdrawal from social interactions, and a lack of motivation (avolition). Understanding the distinction between positive and negative symptoms is crucial for recognizing the specific challenges faced by individuals with schizophrenia and informing appropriate treatment strategies.