Which of the following would the nurse identify as a negative symptom associated with schizophrenia?

• A. Disorganized speech
• B. Delusions of grandeur
• C. Flat affect
• D. Auditory hallucinations

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the difference between positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Positive symptoms are excesses or distortions of normal functions, such as hallucinations and delusions, while negative symptoms represent a decrease or loss of normal functions.
2. Step 2: Identify the symptoms listed in the problem and classify them. For example, disorganized speech and auditory hallucinations are considered positive symptoms because they involve an excess or distortion of normal behavior.
3. Step 3: Recognize that delusions of grandeur are a type of delusion, which is also a positive symptom, as it involves false beliefs that are not based in reality.
4. Step 4: Understand that flat affect refers to a reduction in emotional expression, which is a negative symptom because it reflects a loss or diminishment of normal emotional responses.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the options given, flat affect is the negative symptom associated with schizophrenia, while the others are positive symptoms.