A client diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "I'm being watched constantly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation because of my job." Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When interacting with a client who is experiencing delusions, the nurse must remember that these experiences are real for the client. Based on the client's statement, the nurse should focus on the feelings that are generated by the delusion, such as acknowledging how frightening it must be to feel constantly watched. The nurse should not focus on the delusion itself (such as by asking the client to tell the nurse more about being watched). Telling the client that the client is not being watched, that it is all in the client's mind, or that the client is experiencing a delusion would be inappropriate because these statements tell the person that his or her experiences are not real.

A Client Diagnosed with Schizophrenia Tells the Nurse, "I'm Being