Question

The nurse speaks with a client diagnosed with schizophrenia who begins to look away toward the door and grimace. Which statement by the nurse is MOST therapeutic at this time?

1. "It would be helpful if you could look at me while we talk."
2. "We can finish our conversation later; thank you for speaking with me."
3. "What do you see at the door?"
4. "When you don't look at me, I feel like you don't trust me"

Answer 1

The best statement to engage a client with schizophrenia who is looking away and grimacing is to ask what they see, as it validates their experience and encourages communication.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most therapeutic statement by the nurse in this scenario, where the client is diagnosed with schizophrenia and begins to look away toward the door and grimace, would be option 3: "What do you see at the door?" This approach acknowledges the client's experience and invites them to share their reality, which may include hallucinations or delusions. It is important to engage with the client in a way that validates their experiences without reinforcing any delusions. The nurse's response should facilitate communication and provide a sense of safety and understanding.