Question

the nursing assistant tells the nurse that a patient with schizophrenia is distractible and seems like he is in his own world. how should the nurse explain this behavior to the nursing assistant?

the patient is experiencing a symptom known as autism.
the patient is experiencing a symptom known as ambivalence.
the patient is experiencing a symptom known as concrete thinking.
the patient is experiencing a symptom known as thought-blocking.

Explanation:

Analyze the patient's described behavior

The patient with schizophrenia is described as "distractible and seems like he is in his own world." This state of being detached from reality and focused inward on a private, subjective world is a classic clinical description of "autism" (specifically, autistic thinking) as defined historically in schizophrenia symptomatology (one of Eugen Bleuler's "Four As").

Differentiate the clinical terms

• Autism: In the context of schizophrenia, this refers to a withdrawal into an inner fantasy world, being self-focused, and detached from external reality ("in his own world").
• Ambivalence: The coexistence of opposing emotions or attitudes toward the same object, person, or situation.
• Concrete thinking: An inability to think abstractly, interpreting language literally.
• Thought-blocking: A sudden interruption in the flow of thought or speech, often mid-sentence.

Select the correct option

The description "in his own world" directly matches the clinical definition of autism in schizophrenia.

Answer:

• (A) The patient is experiencing a symptom known as autism. (Correct answer)
• (B) The patient is experiencing a symptom known as ambivalence.
• (C) The patient is experiencing a symptom known as concrete thinking.
• (D) The patient is experiencing a symptom known as thought-blocking.