Question

A newly admitted patient asks the nurse, "Can you hear those people laughing at me? They are making fun of me." Select the nurse's best response.

a. "You are mistaken. No one is laughing at you."
b. "I know the sound of laughter is real to you, but I don't hear it."
c. "Your mind is playing tricks on you, making you think you hear laughter."
d. "When people are mentally ill, they often experience things that others cannot relate to."

Answer 1

The nurse should respond with empathy and without dismissing the patient's experience by saying, "I know the sound of laughter is real to you, but I don't hear it," as this validates the patient's perception while maintaining professional integrity and support.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's best response to the patient who is hearing people laughing would be option b, "I know the sound of laughter is real to you, but I don't hear it." This response acknowledges the patient's experience without invalidating it or making them feel dismissed.

Evidence-based practice in mental health nursing emphasizes the importance of validating the patient's feelings and experiences. It's vital to communicate that while you do not share the same sensory experience, you are there to support the patient. Telling a patient that "no one is laughing at you" or that their "mind is playing tricks" on them may invalidate their experience and could potentially damage the trust between patient and nurse.

Building a therapeutic relationship involves establishing rapport and trust, ensuring the patient feels heard and supported. Providing reassurance while neither confirming nor denying the patient's hallucination reflects the patient-centered care approach common in modern psychiatric nursing.