A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "I'm being watched constantly by the FBI because of my job." Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

Question

A) "Tell me more about how you are being watched."
B) "It must be frightening to feel like you're always being watched."
C) "You're not being watched; it's all in your mind."
D) "You are experiencing a delusion because of your illness."

Answer 1

Ans: B
When interacting with a client who is experiencing delusions, the nurse must remember that these experiences are real for the client. Based on the client's statement, the nurse should focus on the feelings that are generated by the delusion, such as acknowledging how frightening it must be to feel constantly watched. The nurse should not focus on the delusion itself (such as by asking the client to tell the nurse more about being watched). Telling the client that he is not being watched, that it is all in his mind, or that he is experiencing a delusion would be inappropriate because these statements tell the person that his or her experiences are not real.