The nurse is caring for a client in an acute mental health unit. The client states, “I believe my food is poisoned.” Which of the following should be an appropriate action by the nurse?
Taking steps to prevent the client from verbalizing the delusional thoughts.
Allowing the client to select food from vending machines.
Explaining that others eat the same food and feel safe.
Encouraging the client to discuss why someone would poison the food.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Taking steps to prevent the client from verbalizing delusional thoughts is not therapeutic. It can lead to the client feeling misunderstood and unsupported. Nurses should provide a safe environment where clients feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Choice B Reason:
Allowing the client to select food from vending machines can be a temporary measure to address the immediate concern of the client’s fear of being poisoned. It provides a sense of control over their situation and may help to reduce anxiety related to eating.
Choice C Reason:
Simply explaining that others eat the same food and feel safe may not be effective for a client experiencing delusions. Delusions are fixed beliefs that are not easily changed by logical explanations or evidence to the contrary.
Choice D Reason:
Encouraging the client to discuss why someone would poison the food might validate the delusion and could reinforce the false belief. It’s important to acknowledge the client’s feelings without supporting the delusional content.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
This response may invalidate the client's experience and can be perceived as dismissive of the client's delusional thoughts. It does not acknowledge the client's current reality or provide any therapeutic communication. An intervention is required to guide the nurse in offering a more empathetic and validating response.
Choice B Reason:
Asking the client to clarify what they mean encourages communication and shows a willingness to understand the client's perspective. It is a therapeutic approach that can help the nurse gain insight into the client's thoughts and provide appropriate support.
Choice C Reason:
This response could potentially validate the client's delusional thinking by engaging in the content of the delusion. It might lead to further discussion about the delusion rather than redirecting the client to reality, which could be counterproductive.
Choice D Reason:
Expressing empathy by acknowledging that the client's feelings must be frightening is a therapeutic response. It validates the client's emotions without confirming the delusional content and can help the client feel understood and supported.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Occupational therapists are trained to help individuals develop or regain the skills needed for daily living and working. They are particularly adept at assisting clients with work-related skills, making them an ideal choice for this client's plan of care.
Choice B reason:
While psychiatrists are essential for diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, their role is less focused on teaching work-related skills and more on managing the client's psychiatric treatment.
Choice C reason:
Social workers provide valuable support in connecting clients with community resources and supporting their psychosocial needs. However, they do not typically specialize in teaching work-related skills.
Choice D reason:
Psychologists may work with clients to address cognitive or emotional barriers to employment, but they do not typically provide hands-on training in work-related skills as occupational therapists do.
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