A nurse is caring for a client who has paranoid schizophrenia and believes that they are being followed by FBI agents who are pretending to be psychiatric staff. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Correct. This response acknowledges the client's feelings and demonstrates empathy. It opens the door for further discussion and exploration of the client's beliefs without immediately challenging them. B. Incorrect. Directly contradicting the client's beliefs may cause resistance and increase their distress. It's important to approach the situation with sensitivity and understanding. C. Incorrect. While asking for clarification is a valid approach, it may not be the most appropriate initial response. It's important to establish trust and rapport with the client before delving into their delusional beliefs. D. Incorrect. Asking "why" s may put the client on the defensive and may not lead to a productive conversation about their beliefs. It's better to approach the situation with empathy and openness before exploring the client's perspective.