A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is experiencing frequent delusions. Which of the following strategies should the nurse use when caring for the client?

Choice A reason: Identifying the client’s feelings underlying the delusions is therapeutic. Delusions often mask fear, anxiety, or insecurity. By focusing on the emotions rather than the false belief, the nurse validates the client’s experience without reinforcing the delusion. This approach builds trust and supports emotional regulation. Choice B reason: Telling the client that the delusion is not real is ineffective and can increase defensiveness. Clients with schizophrenia often lack insight, and direct confrontation may escalate agitation or mistrust. Choice C reason: Reinforcing the delusion is harmful. It strengthens false beliefs and impedes recovery. Nurses must avoid validating delusional content while still supporting the client’s emotional needs. Choice D reason: Helping the client ignore events that trigger delusions is unrealistic. Triggers cannot always be avoided, and ignoring them does not teach coping strategies. Instead, nurses should help clients develop grounding techniques and reality-based coping skills.