A nurse working on a psychiatric unit receives a telephone call from a client’s employer. The employer asks for a copy of the client’s latest laboratory work and psychological testing results so that the client’s medical records in employee health can be updated. Based on the nurse’s knowledge of breach of confidentiality, which response would be appropriate?

Choice A reason:
Delusions of grandeur are a type of delusion where an individual believes they have exceptional abilities, wealth, or fame. This is not the correct answer because the client’s reaction of thinking others are making fun of them does not align with the belief of having grandiose qualities. Delusions of grandeur typically involve an inflated sense of self-importance, which is not evident in the scenario described.
Choice B reason:
Loose association refers to a thought disorder where ideas are presented with little or no logical connection. This is not the correct answer because the client’s reaction is more about misinterpreting the actions of others rather than displaying disorganized thinking. Loose associations would manifest as speech that is difficult to follow due to the lack of coherent connections between thoughts.
Choice C reason:
Ideas of reference involve the belief that insignificant remarks, events, or objects in one’s environment have personal meaning or significance. This is the correct answer because the client believes that the group’s laughter is directed at them, interpreting it as a personal attack. This misinterpretation of external events is a hallmark of ideas of reference, which is a common symptom in schizophrenia.
Choice D reason:
Magical thinking involves believing that one’s thoughts, words, or actions can cause or prevent specific outcomes in a way that defies the laws of cause and effect. This is not the correct answer because the client’s reaction does not involve any belief in their own ability to influence events through supernatural means. Instead, the reaction is based on a misinterpretation of the group’s behavior.

Choice A reason:
Dystonia involves muscle contractions causing twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. It typically occurs early in treatment and affects the neck, face, and back muscles. The involuntary movements described in the scenario are more characteristic of tardive dyskinesia rather than dystonia.

Choice B reason:
Parkinsonism is characterized by symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, bradykinesia, and rigidity. While it can occur with long-term use of antipsychotics, the specific involuntary movements of the tongue and face described are more indicative of tardive dyskinesia.

Choice C reason:
Akathisia involves a feeling of inner restlessness and an urgent need to move. It does not typically present with the involuntary movements of the tongue and face described in the scenario. Akathisia is more about the inability to stay still rather than specific muscle movements.

Choice D reason:
Tardive dyskinesia is a well-known adverse effect of long-term antipsychotic use, characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements, especially of the face, tongue, and limbs. The description of involuntary movements of the tongue and face fits the profile of tardive dyskinesia, making it the most likely diagnosis.