Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 67%
Simulated
The nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. The client is unable to speak, although there is no known pathological dysfunction. Based on this information, the nurse determines that the client is experiencing which type of dysfunctional communication?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Mutism is the absence of verbal speech. The client does not communicate verbally despite an intact physical and structural ability to speak. Verbigeration is the purposeless repetition of words or phrases. Pressured speech refers to a rapidity of speech that reflects the client's racing thoughts. Poverty of speech involves diminished amounts of speech or monotonic replies.