A newly admitted patient diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia is hypervigilant and constantly scans the environment. He states that he saw two doctors talking in the hall and knows they were plotting to kill him. When charting, how should the nurse identify this behavior?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Idea of reference. This patient's belief that the doctors were plotting to kill him is an example of an idea of reference, a symptom of paranoia common in paranoid schizophrenia. This term refers to the belief that neutral actions or events are directed at oneself. Delusion of infidelity (B) involves false beliefs about a partner's infidelity, not relevant here. Auditory hallucination (C) is false perception of sound, not applicable. Echolalia (D) is the repetition of words or phrases, not seen in this scenario. Identifying the behavior as an idea of reference helps the nurse understand the patient's distorted perception and tailor interventions effectively.