A highly suspicious patient tells the nurse, "When I sit in the dayroom I can see other people whispering about me and laughing. It makes me want to punch them." The direction that the nurse should give staff is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Suspicious patients misinterpret the actions of others as being potentially harmful to self. Be direct and open, and avoid behaviors that can be misinterpreted, such as whispering or laughing. In addition, the suspicious patient needs additional personal space. Leaning close is ill-advised. Touching should be avoided because of the high potential for misinterpretation of staff members' motives by the suspicious patient. To stop laughing abruptly when the patient appears would make the individual even more suspicious.

A Highly Suspicious Patient Tells the Nurse, "When I Sit