A nurse is conversing with a client diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Suddenly, the client expresses fear, stating, “I’m scared.

Can you hear that? The voices are instructing me to do awful things.” Which of the following responses from the nurse would be suitable?

Choice A rationale:

Administering an anti-anxiety medication may not be the most appropriate first action. While medication can help to reduce anxiety, it does not address the underlying issue of suicidal ideation. In some cases, medications can even increase the risk of suicide, especially in the first few weeks of treatment.

Instituting mouth checks to assure the medication is swallowed is not a standard practice in this situation. It is more important to focus on ensuring the client's safety and providing emotional support.

Choice B rationale:

Informing the provider about the client's statement is important, but it is not the first action that the nurse should take. The priority is to ensure the client's immediate safety.

The provider can be informed after the client has been stabilized and is no longer at immediate risk of harm.

Choice C rationale:

Assuring that a staff member stays with the client at all times is the most important first step in ensuring the client's safety. This will help to prevent the client from acting on their suicidal thoughts and provide an opportunity for the nurse to assess the client's risk for suicide and intervene as needed.

It also allows the nurse to provide emotional support and reassurance to the client.

Choice D rationale:

Questioning the client about a suicide plan and method is important, but it should not be done until the client's safety has been ensured. Asking about a suicide plan can be triggering for some clients and may increase their risk of suicide.

It is important to approach this topic sensitively and only when the client is feeling safe and supported.

Choice A rationale:

Concrete thinking is a cognitive distortion characterized by a rigid and literal interpretation of events and experiences. Individuals with concrete thinking often struggle to grasp abstract concepts, metaphors, or multiple perspectives. They tend to view situations in black-and-white terms, with little room for nuance or ambiguity.

Statement A, "I am aware that each problem has only one solution," exemplifies concrete thinking in several ways:

Absolute language: The use of the phrase "each problem has only one solution" suggests a fixed and inflexible mindset. It implies that there is only one correct way to approach any given problem, disregarding the possibility of alternative solutions or perspectives.

Oversimplification: The statement reduces the complexity of problem-solving to a single, definitive answer. It fails to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of most problems, which often require creative thinking, flexibility, and consideration of multiple factors.

Lack of abstract

Intolerance of ambiguity: Concrete thinkers often experience discomfort with uncertainty or open-ended situations. They prefer clear-cut answers and definitive conclusions, which can lead to frustration and anxiety when faced with complex or ambiguous problems.