A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of alcohol use disorder and has been hospitalized for detoxification. The nurse enters the room an finds the client shouting in a terrified voice, "Get these bugs off of me!" Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Saying "I'm sure that the bugs you see will not harm you" is dismissive and invalidates the client's experience, which can increase distress and anxiety. B. Saying "I don't see any bugs, but you seem very frightened" acknowledges the client's feelings and reality while gently refocusing them on their emotional state, which is a therapeutic approach. C. While the statement "this is part of the withdrawal process" may be true, it can sound dismissive and fail to address the client's emotional state. The nurse should focus on providing comfort and support. D. While it’s important to understand the client’s experience, saying "Tell me more about the bugs that you see" can inadvertently reinforce the delusion and increase anxiety. A more supportive, grounding approach is preferable.