A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia. The client exclaims, “Aliens came into my room last night and took a sample of my blood!” Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A: Telling the client that aliens do not exist dismisses their experience and can increase their distress. It is not a therapeutic response. B: Changing the subject to the client’s daughter is not addressing the client’s immediate concern and can be seen as dismissive. C: Suggesting that a laboratory technician drew the blood is an attempt to reorient the client to reality, but it may not be effective if the client is deeply entrenched in their delusion. D: Acknowledging the client’s fear without validating the delusion is a therapeutic response. It shows empathy and provides an opportunity to explore the client’s feelings further.