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
Choice A rationale:Asking, "What makes you think the staff is following you?" is a confrontational approach and may not be helpful in building rapport or addressing the client's paranoid beliefs. It can come across as dismissive and may exacerbate the client's anxiety.Choice B rationale:Telling the client, "The psychiatric staff is not FBI. They are here to help you," is a straightforward response but may not effectively address the client's concerns or build rapport. It does not acknowledge the client's feelings and may not be well-received.Choice C rationale:Asking, "Why do you feel the staff is the FBI?" is a more open-ended and therapeutic approach. It encourages the client to express their thoughts and feelings, providing an opportunity for the nurse to better understand the client's perspective.Choice D rationale:Saying, "This must be very frightening for you. Let's talk more about it," is the most empathetic and client-centered response. It acknowledges the client's emotions and offers support. It also opens the door for further discussion and therapeutic communication, allowing the nurse to explore the client's fears and concerns in a non-confrontational manner.