A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The CIA is monitoring us through the fluorescent lights in this room. Be careful what you say." Which response by the nurse would be most therapeutic?

"It sounds like you’re concerned about your privacy."

"The CIA is prohibited from operating in health care facilities."

"Let’s talk about something other than the CIA."

"You have lost touch with reality, which is a symptom of your illness."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: This response acknowledges the patient’s feelings without confirming or denying the delusion. It helps establish trust while maintaining therapeutic communication. By focusing on the patient’s underlying concern, it avoids reinforcing the delusional content.

Choice B reason: Stating that the CIA is prohibited in health care facilities engages with the delusion, which is non-therapeutic because it validates the false belief.

Choice C reason: Redirecting away from the delusion may seem dismissive and does not address the patient’s immediate feelings of fear or concern. This could cause the patient to feel unheard.

Choice D reason: Telling the patient they have “lost touch with reality” is confrontational and could increase defensiveness. It is not supportive or therapeutic in building rapport.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: This reverses the definitions of sympathy and empathy. Empathy is not about feeling sorry but about understanding and reflecting feelings.

Choice B reason: Sympathy is pity or sorrow for someone else’s suffering, while empathy means perceiving and validating the client’s experience without judgment, which is essential for therapeutic communication.

Choice C reason: Sympathy does not create emotional distance; instead, it often involves pity that can actually reduce meaningful connection. Empathy provides closeness while maintaining professional boundaries.

Choice D reason: Sympathy and empathy are not interchangeable. They differ in depth and therapeutic effectiveness, making this statement incorrect.

A. "The time we spend together is to discuss your concerns." B. "Nurses direct the interviews with patients." C. "Do not ask questions about my personal life." D. "Why do you keep asking about me?"

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Redirecting the focus back to the patient in a therapeutic and nonjudgmental way ensures the conversation remains centered on the client’s needs. This maintains professional boundaries while being supportive.

Choice B reason: Stating that nurses direct interviews is authoritative and may come across as rigid. It does not encourage patient openness.

Choice C reason: Responding with a prohibition sounds harsh and judgmental. It could damage rapport and shut down communication.

Choice D reason: Asking "why" can make the patient feel defensive, which is not therapeutic. It shifts the focus to justification rather than reflection.

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A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The CIA is monitoring us through the fluorescent lights in this room. Be careful what you say." Which response by the nurse would be most therapeutic?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A mental health nurse is working with a client experiencing severe depression. The nurse wants to provide supportive care while avoiding becoming emotionally overwhelmed. Which statement best reflects the difference between sympathy and empathy in this context?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

During an interview, a patient attempts to shift the focus from self to the nurse by asking personal questions. The nurse should respond by saying:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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