A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia.
The client states, "The voices in my head are driving me crazy.”. Which of the following Questions should the nurse ask?

Choice A rationale

Tomato soup is highly acidic due to its tomato base, which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and increase stomach acid production. This can lead to the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, exacerbating the symptoms of GERD. The client should avoid highly acidic foods to manage their condition effectively.

Choice B rationale

White fish is a lean protein that is generally low in fat. High-fat foods can delay stomach emptying and decrease the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of acid reflux. Lean proteins like white fish are less likely to trigger symptoms and are therefore a suitable dietary choice for a client with GERD.

Choice C rationale

Hot cocoa contains both caffeine and fat, which are known to exacerbate GERD symptoms. Caffeine can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to reflux. Additionally, the fat content can delay gastric emptying, increasing pressure on the LES and worsening acid reflux symptoms.

Choice D rationale

Decaffeinated coffee can still trigger GERD symptoms. Coffee, even without caffeine, is acidic and can stimulate the production of stomach acid. The oils and compounds in coffee can also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux and causing irritation to the esophageal lining.

Choice A rationale

Asking about the content of the voices helps the nurse assess for command hallucinations, which can pose a safety risk to the client or others. This open-ended question encourages the client to elaborate, providing crucial information about the severity, nature, and potential danger of the auditory stimuli, which is the primary goal of the assessment.

Choice B rationale

This question is counterproductive because it asks for a causal explanation that the client, due to their altered neurochemical state, cannot provide. It can also be perceived as challenging the reality of the client's experience, which invalidates their feelings and can damage the therapeutic relationship. This is not a therapeutic approach.

Choice C rationale

This redirects the conversation away from the client's immediate distress and the core issue of their hallucinations. While therapy is part of treatment, it may not be appropriate at this moment of crisis. The nurse’s priority is to first assess the immediate risk and support the client's immediate needs, before introducing another activity.

Choice D rationale

Asking about medication adherence can be perceived as accusatory and may cause the client to become defensive. While medication non-adherence can contribute to symptom exacerbation, the immediate priority is to assess the current risk level posed by the hallucinations, not to lecture the client about medication. This question is not therapeutic.