NCLEX Psychosocial Integrity Questions Related

Review NCLEX Psychosocial Integrity Questions related questions and content

Which response would the nurse make to a client who says, 'The voices say I'll be safe only if I stay in this room, wear these clothes, and avoid stepping on the cracks between the floor tiles'?

  • A. Ask whether the voices are male or female and how many there are.
  • B. Reassure the client by stating, 'I understand that these voices are real to you, but I want you to know that I don't hear them.'
  • C. Offer false reassurance by saying, 'Don't worry"?I've locked the door to your room and won't let anyone in.'
  • D. Encourage the client to leave the room and keep busy to distract from the voices.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The response, 'I understand that these voices are real to you, but I want you to know that I don't hear them,' demonstrates empathy and validation of the client's experience while also gently bringing in the nurse's reality. This response acknowledges the client's feelings without reinforcing the hallucinations. Asking about the characteristics of the voices (Choice A) can inadvertently validate the hallucinations. Offering false reassurance (Choice B) may not be helpful as it does not address the client's distress. Encouraging the client to leave the room and keep busy (Choice D) is nontherapeutic as it disregards the client's experience and may increase anxiety.