Which of the following should a nurse prioritize when planning discharge teaching for a client with severe schizoaffective disorder?

• A. Educating the client and family about medication adherence and recognizing early signs of relapse
• B. Focusing primarily on dietary changes to improve physical health
• C. Encouraging the client to discontinue all medications once symptoms improve
• D. Recommending the client avoid all social interactions to reduce stress

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of schizoaffective disorder, which is a chronic mental health condition characterized by symptoms of both schizophrenia (such as hallucinations or delusions) and mood disorders (such as depression or mania). This means management often requires ongoing medication and monitoring for relapse.
2. Step 2: Recognize that medication adherence is critical in managing schizoaffective disorder because it helps control symptoms and prevent relapse. Educating both the client and their family about the importance of taking medications as prescribed is essential.
3. Step 3: Identify early warning signs of relapse, such as changes in mood, behavior, or thought patterns, so that the client and family can seek help promptly. Teaching these signs is a key part of discharge planning.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the other options: focusing only on dietary changes, encouraging discontinuation of medication, or recommending social isolation are not appropriate priorities because they do not address the core needs of managing schizoaffective disorder and may worsen outcomes.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the nurse should prioritize educating the client and family about medication adherence and recognizing early signs of relapse to promote long-term stability and reduce hospital readmissions.