Which of the following is listed as a key nursing diagnosis for an inpatient schizophrenia case?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Renal failure
• C. Risk for self-directed violence
• D. Chronic cough

Answer: (C)

Inpatient schizophrenia care centers on safety and anticipating risks that could harm the patient. The key concept here is recognizing a nursing diagnosis that directly addresses the potential for self-harm. Patients with schizophrenia can experience delusions, command hallucinations, or impaired judgment that may lead to self-directed violence, so the appropriate nursing diagnosis is risk for self-directed violence. This designation guides essential safety-focused actions: close observation, removing or minimizing access to potential means of self-harm, creating a structured and supportive environment, and regularly assessing the patient’s thoughts, plans, and intent to adjust interventions accordingly.

The other options are medical issues rather than a psychiatric nursing diagnosis relevant to schizophrenia in the inpatient setting. Hyperkalemia and renal failure relate to bodily system problems needing medical treatment, and a chronic cough is likewise a medical symptom not describing a mental health safety risk.