Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Mental Health Assessment of Older Adults Related

Review Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Mental Health Assessment of Older Adults related questions and content

While caring for an 88-year-old client suspected of having dementia, the nurse assesses the client for a common delusional thought. Which of the following would the nurse interpret as a common delusion?

  • A. I am the king of the universe.
  • B. Creatures are living in my closet.
  • C. The government has people following me.
  • D. My roommate keeps stealing my clothes.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In dementia, a common delusion is the belief that personal belongings are being stolen, often by familiar people like roommates or caregivers, as in option D. Grandiose delusions (option A) or paranoid delusions about the government (option C) are less common in dementia and more associated with other disorders like schizophrenia. Option B is less typical and more fantastical.