Question

The nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is caring for a client with paranoid delusions who is refusing to eat. The client states that all the food and drinks have been poisoned. Which intervention by the nurse is appropriate?

Answer 1

When dealing with an inpatient client who has paranoid delusions about food being poisoned, the nurse should validate the client's feelings, offer reassurance, and suggest practical alternatives like selecting prepackaged items to ensure nutrition and hydration.

Step-by-step explanation:

Approaching a Client with Paranoid Delusions

When a client in an inpatient mental health unit refuses to eat due to paranoid delusions about the food and drinks being poisoned, the nurse should address the situation with a balance of understanding and practical interventions. It is important to validate the client's feelings without reinforcing the delusion. The nurse can offer reassurance about the safety of the food and may suggest alternatives to build trust, such as allowing the client to choose prepackaged or sealed items, or to watch their food being prepared if the setting permits. It is crucial that the nurse demonstrates respect for the client's concerns while actively promoting nutrition and hydration, as these are essential for the client's health and recovery.