A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia anxiously says, "I can see the left side of my body merging with the wall, then my face appears and disappears in the mirror." While listening, the nurse should:
a. sit close to the patient.
b. place an arm protectively around the patient's shoulders.
c. place a hand on the patient's arm and exert light pressure.
d. maintain a normal social interaction distance from the patient.
ANS: D
The patient is describing phenomena that indicate personal boundary difficulties and depersonalization. The nurse should maintain appropriate social distance and not touch the patient because the patient is anxious about the inability to maintain ego boundaries and merging or being swallowed by the environment. Physical closeness or touch could precipitate panic.
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