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 schizophrenia and tells the nurse, "They lie about me all the time, and they are trying to poison my food." Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

  • A. "You are mistaken. Nobody is lying about you or trying to poison you."
  • B. "You seem to be having very frightening thoughts."
  • C. "Why do you think you are being lied about and poisoned?"
  • D. "Who is lying about you and trying to poison you?"
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "You seem to be having very frightening thoughts." This response acknowledges the client's feelings without denying or confirming the delusions. It shows empathy and validates the client's experience without reinforcing the delusions. Option A is incorrect as it denies the client's beliefs, which can lead to distrust. Option C may encourage the client to provide more details about the delusions. Option D may inadvertently validate the delusions by asking for specific details.