A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The CIA is monitoring us through the fluorescent lights in this room. Be careful what you say." Which response by the nurse would be most therapeutic?

Choice A reason: This response acknowledges the patient’s feelings without confirming or denying the delusion. It helps establish trust while maintaining therapeutic communication. By focusing on the patient’s underlying concern, it avoids reinforcing the delusional content. Choice B reason: Stating that the CIA is prohibited in health care facilities engages with the delusion, which is non-therapeutic because it validates the false belief. Choice C reason: Redirecting away from the delusion may seem dismissive and does not address the patient’s immediate feelings of fear or concern. This could cause the patient to feel unheard. Choice D reason: Telling the patient they have “lost touch with reality” is confrontational and could increase defensiveness. It is not supportive or therapeutic in building rapport.