Question

When a client diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia tells the nurse, " i have to get away. The Volmers are coming to execute me, " An appropriate response for the nurse would be

A. "You are safe here. Please lie down and try to rest."

B. "I do not believe I understand the word Volmers. Tell me more about them."

C. "Why do you think someone or something is going to harm you?"

D. "It must be frightening to think something is going to harm you."

Answer 1

The appropriate response for the nurse is to acknowledge the patient's fear without validating the delusion, showing empathy and maintaining a supportive environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia tells the nurse, "I have to get away. The Volmers are coming to execute me," an appropriate response for the nurse would be "It must be frightening to think something is going to harm you." This response acknowledges the patient's fear without validating the delusion. The nurse's goal is to establish trust by showing empathy. Asking for more details about the delusion or suggesting safety through lying down may inadvertently reinforce the delusion or not address the emotional distress the patient is experiencing. The nurse should maintain a supportive environment and engage in therapeutic communication that addresses the underlying emotion without reinforcing the delusional content.