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Schizophrenia — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

Positive + negative symptoms

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Psychosocial Integrity 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Schizophrenia on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Signs

What to look for

Positive: hallucinations, delusions
Negative: flat affect, avolition
Disorganized speech, paranoia

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Do

Nursing actions

Don't argue delusions, present reality
Acknowledge fear, not the voices
Consistent staff, build trust

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Meds

Key numbers

Antipsychotics, watch EPS
Clozapine → monitor WBC (agranulocytosis)

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Report

Notify / act now

NMS: fever, rigidity, ↑ CK
Command hallucinations = safety

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Quick Tip

Positive symptoms include hallucinations (often auditory), delusions, disorganized speech, and disorganized behavior.

📖 Related Topics

Therapeutic Communication Techniques Defense Mechanisms Crisis Intervention Grief and Loss

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