A nurse is collecting a health history on a client who has a diagnosis of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. The nurse recognizes that which of the following is an expected history associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

The correct answer is choice A. Ask the client direct questions about the hallucination.

Choice A rationale:

Asking direct questions about the hallucination helps the nurse understand the client’s experience and assess the content and intensity of the hallucinations. This approach also allows the nurse to provide appropriate support and interventions.

Choice B rationale:

Acting as if the hallucination is real can reinforce the client’s distorted perception of reality, which is not therapeutic. The nurse should acknowledge the client’s experience without validating the hallucination as real.

Choice C rationale:

Telling the client to go to their room and that the hallucinations should go away is dismissive and does not address the client’s immediate needs. It is important to engage with the client and provide support rather than dismiss their experience.

Choice D rationale:

Instructing the client to argue with the voices can increase the client’s distress and is not a recommended therapeutic approach. Instead, the nurse should help the client find ways to cope with and manage the hallucinations.

Choice A rationale:

The statement "You are feeling very depressed. I felt the same way when I decided to leave my husband." is a non-therapeutic statement that demonstrates sympathy. The nurse is sharing personal experiences, which can shift the focus from the client's feelings to the nurse's own experiences.

Choice B rationale:

The statement "I can understand you are feeling depressed. It was a difficult decision. I'll sit with you." is a therapeutic response that offers support and empathy without diverting the focus to the nurse's experiences. The nurse's willingness to sit with the client is a positive aspect of this response.

Choice C rationale:

The statement "You seem depressed. It was a difficult decision to make. Would you like to talk about it?" is a therapeutic response that acknowledges the client's feelings, offers support, and invites further conversation. This response encourages the client to express themselves.

Choice D rationale:

The statement "I know this is a difficult time for you. Would you like medication for anxiety?" acknowledges the client's difficulties but immediately offers medication as a solution. While medication can be a valid option, it's important to prioritize open communication and emotional support before suggesting medication.