A client who has been diagnosed as having paranoid schizophrenia is highly suspicious and delusional. He hears voices telling him terrorists are plotting to assassinate him. He refuses to eat, saying the food is poisoned. The nursing action that best addresses his needs is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Allow client to select food from vending machines. This option respects the client's autonomy and addresses his delusion about the food being poisoned. By allowing the client to choose food from vending machines, it acknowledges his concerns and promotes a sense of control over his environment. This approach can help build trust and rapport with the client, as forcing him to eat regular hospital food might exacerbate his paranoia and resistance.
A: Explaining that others eat the food and are not harmed may not be effective as it disregards the client's beliefs and could further alienate him.
C: Assisting with personal hygiene and grooming is important but does not directly address the client's primary concern of refusing to eat due to delusional beliefs.
D: Not allowing the client to verbalize delusional thoughts is counterproductive as it suppresses communication and does not address the underlying issue of the client's fear of being poisoned.