A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who has schizophrenia and is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?

Rationale: A. Refer to the hallucinations as if they are real: Acknowledging hallucinations as real reinforces the client’s delusions and may worsen their psychosis. The nurse should avoid validating the hallucinations while still responding with empathy and support. B. Ask the client directly what they are hearing: Directly asking helps assess the content, intensity, and risk associated with the hallucinations. It also opens therapeutic communication and enables the nurse to determine if the client poses a danger to themselves or others. C. Avoid eye contact with the client: Avoiding eye contact can hinder trust and communication. Establishing a calm and respectful presence, including appropriate eye contact, supports rapport and promotes client engagement. D. Encourage the client to lie down in a quiet room: While reducing external stimuli can help manage hallucinations, isolating the client without first assessing the hallucination’s content may not be appropriate. This action also doesn’t address the client's perception or emotional needs directly