Which nursing assessment accurately describes Sam's lack of energy?

• A. Avolition
• B. Anhedonia
• C. Apathy
• D. Affective

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is avolition, a negative symptom of schizophrenia defined by a diminished motivation to initiate and sustain goal-directed activities. This leads to reduced energy to engage in tasks and little spontaneous activity, even when there are opportunities or needs to act. It’s different from anhedonia, which is the inability to experience pleasure; from apathy, which is a general lack of interest or enthusiasm; and from affective issues, which relate to mood or emotional expression rather than the drive to act. In a nursing assessment, you’d look for signs like little self-initiated activity, minimal participation in routines, and a tendency to remain inactive, reflecting avolition rather than a mood problem or inability to feel pleasure.