Final answer:
The appropriate nursing response when a patient mentions "ghost sickness" is to explore their cultural beliefs about illness, as it aids in providing patient-centered care and building a therapeutic relationship.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient like Maria states that she has "ghost sickness," the appropriate nursing response is B) Explore Maria's cultural beliefs about illness. Understanding a patient's cultural perspective is crucial in providing compassionate and effective care. It's important to respect and acknowledge the patient's beliefs rather than dismissing them, as this can help build trust and foster a therapeutic patient-provider relationship. In cases where beliefs are deeply rooted in culture, an exploration can provide insights that guide the intervention process. This could involve a blend of approaches including applied behavior analysis (ABA), social communication groups, occupational therapy, and possibly medication options if necessary and appropriate.