Psychotic Disorders no. 4008

Psychotic Disorders no. 4008

QUESTION: A schizophrenic client with delusions tells the nurse, "There is a man wearing a red coat who's out to get me." The client exhibits increasing anxiety when focusing on the delusion. Which of the following would be the best response?

✓O a.) "This subject seems to be troubling you. Let's walk to the activity room."
✘O b.) "Describe the man who's out to get you. What does he look like?"
✘O c.) "There is no reason to be afraid of that man. This hospital is very secure."
✘O d.) "There is no need to be concerned with a man who isn't even real."

RATIONALE

RATIONALE: This remark distracts the client from the delusion by engaging the client in a less threatening or more comforting activity at the first sign of anxiety. The nurse should reinforce reality and discourage the false belief. The other options focus on the content of the delusion rather than the meaning, feeling, or intent that it provokes.
NURSING PROCESS STEP: Implementation
CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Psychosocial integrity
CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: None
COGNITIVE LEVEL: Comprehension