1. Core Concept & Presentation Schizophrenia alters thought, perception, and behavior. It stems from genetic and neurochemical imbalances, primarily excess dopamine and serotonin. • Positive Symptoms: Additions to normal behavior, including delusions (fixed false beliefs), hallucinations (false sensory perceptions), and disordered speech like word salad or echolalia. • Negative Symptoms: Deficits in behavior, including flat affect, anhedonia (lack of joy), alogia (poverty of speech), and avolition (lack of motivation). These symptoms are major barriers to daily functioning.

2. Must-Know Safety Red Flags (Psychiatric Emergencies) • Command Hallucinations: Voices demanding the patient harm themselves or others. The nurse must explicitly ask what the voice ...