ATI RN Mental Health Asn Related

Review ATI RN Mental Health Asn related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of alcohol use disorder and has been hospitalized for detoxification. The nurse enters the room and finds the client shouting in a terrified voice, "Get these bugs off of me!” Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

  • A. "I'm sure that the bugs you see will not harm you."
  • B. "Tell me more about the bugs that you see in your room."
  • C. "I don't see any bugs, but you seem very frightened."
  • D. "I do not see anything. This is part of the withdrawal process."
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Response C is appropriate because it acknowledges the client's feelings without confirming the presence of bugs. This response shows empathy and understanding while not reinforcing the client's hallucination. Response A dismisses the client's fear and may increase anxiety. Response B encourages the client to focus on the hallucination, worsening the distress. Response D invalidates the client's experience and may lead to distrust.