The nurse on the mental health unit receives report about a client diagnosed with schizophrenia who is experiencing a delusion of reference. Which client statement supports this symptom?

Question

The nurse on the mental health unit receives report about a client diagnosed with schizophrenia who is experiencing a delusion of reference.  Which client statement supports this symptom?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Delusions are one of the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Delusions are false beliefs that have no basis in reality and are unrelated to a client's culture or intelligence. When presented with proof that the delusion is irrational or untrue, the client continues to believe it is real. Clients experiencing delusions of reference will believe that songs, newspaper articles, and other events are personal and significant to them. Other examples of delusions are below: Grandeur - "I need to get to Washington for my meeting with the president." Control - "Don't drink the tap water. That's how the government controls us." Nihilistic - "It doesn't matter if I take my medicine. I'm already dead." Somatic - "The doctor said I'm fine, but I really have lung cancer." (Option A) This client statement is an example of a tactile hallucination, which gives the client the sensation of being touched. (Option B) This client statement is an example of an auditory hallucination, specifically a command hallucination. Clients experiencing auditory hallucinations hear sounds and voices others do not. (Option D) This client statement is an example of a persecutory (paranoid) delusion. Clients with such delusions believe that they are being threatened or treated unfairly in some way. Educational objective: Delusions are a positive symptom of schizophrenia. Delusions of reference cause clients to feel as if songs, newspaper articles, and other events are personal to them.

The Nurse on the Mental Health Unit Receives Report About