A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. The nurse asks the client, "Do you receive special messages from certain sources, such as the television or radio?" Which potential symptom of this disorder is the nurse assessing?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse is assessing for the potential symptom of delusions of reference, which involve believing that certain objects, events, or people have a special or significant meaning specifically directed to the individual. In this case, the question is asking about whether the client receives special messages from sources such as the television or radio, which could indicate a belief in delusions of reference. Thought insertion involves believing that one's thoughts are being placed in their mind by outside forces, paranoid delusions involve irrational beliefs that others are out to harm or persecute the individual, and magical thinking involves beliefs in supernatural or illogical connections between events.

A Nurse Is Assessing a Client Diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia