A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse that he knows the doctor is trying to kidnap him and sell him as a slave. Which of the following responses by the nurse are therapeutic? (Select all that apply.)
Explanation & Rationale
A. I think you should give the doctor a chance: This response is not therapeutic because it dismisses the client's feelings and does not address the underlying issue. Telling the client to "give the doctor a chance" minimizes the client's fears and can be perceived as invalidating. Acknowledging the client’s delusion or belief, rather than trying to directly convince them it is wrong, would be more appropriate. B. Tell me more about your feelings towards the doctor: Encouraging the client to elaborate on their feelings is a therapeutic approach that shows the nurse’s willingness to listen without judgment. This allows the nurse to gain insight into the client’s thought process and helps establish trust. It also helps the nurse to assess the severity of the delusion and the client's emotional state related to the belief. C. That is absolutely not true, sir: This response is confrontational and may escalate the client's anxiety or distress. Directly disputing the delusion can reinforce the client's sense of mistrust and can contribute to the client feeling misunderstood. It’s important to avoid challenging or arguing with delusions, as this can harm the therapeutic relationship. D. Why would the doctor want to do that?: This response may unintentionally reinforce the delusion by focusing on the specifics of the false belief. Instead of helping the client explore their feelings in a therapeutic way, it might lead them to rationalize or elaborate on their delusion further. It's better to focus on the client's emotional state rather than engaging with the content of the delusion. E. You seem to be worried about seeing the doctor: This response acknowledges the client’s emotional state and validates their feelings. It does not challenge or argue with the delusion but redirects the conversation to the client's anxiety or fear, which is an appropriate way to approach a client with schizophrenia. It opens up space for the client to discuss their concerns in a non-confrontational manner.