A patient is very suspicious and states, "The FBI has me under surveillance." Which strategies should a nurse use when gathering initial assessment data about this patient? Select all that apply
a. Tell the patient that medication will help this type of thinking.
b. Ask the patient, "Tell me about the problem as you see it."
c. Seek information about when the problem began.
d. Tell the patient, "Your ideas are not realistic."
e. Reassure the patient, "You are safe here."
ANS: B, C, E
During the assessment interview, the nurse should listen attentively and accept the patient's statements in a nonjudgmental way. Because the patient is suspicious and fearful, reassuring safety may be helpful, although trust is unlikely so early in the relationship. Saying that medication will help or telling the patient that the ideas are not realistic will undermine the development of trust between the nurse and patient.
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