The nurse is assessing a new client diagnosed with schizophrenia. The client states, "Those people behind the desk won't stop laughing at me." The nurse determines the client is experiencing which symptom?

Choice A reason: Loose associations involve disorganized thinking where ideas are poorly connected. This symptom affects speech patterns, not interpretation of others’ behavior. Choice B reason: Ideas of reference occur when a person believes that others’ actions (like laughing) are directed specifically at them. The client’s belief that people are laughing at them reflects this symptom. Choice C reason: Tangentiality is a thought disorder where the person goes off-topic and never returns to the original point. It does not involve misinterpretation of others’ actions. Choice D reason: Delusions of influence involve beliefs that one’s thoughts or actions are being controlled by external forces. This does not match the client’s interpretation of others’ behavior.