A nurse is talking with a client who has schizophrenia. Suddenly the client states, "I'm frightened. Do you hear that? The voices are telling me to do terrible things." Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

Choice A reason: Asking “why” is not therapeutic. It may increase anxiety and does not provide support or safety. Clients with hallucinations need direct, supportive communication. Choice B reason: Telling the client to command the voices may increase distress and is not therapeutic. It does not assess risk or provide safety. Choice C reason: Denying the client’s experience by saying there are no voices invalidates their reality. This can increase mistrust and anxiety. Choice D reason: Asking what the voices are saying allows the nurse to assess risk, especially if the voices are commanding harmful actions. It validates the client’s feelings while gathering critical safety information. This is the most therapeutic response.