Question

You have a client with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia. The client has delusional thinking and is suspicious of others. Your nursing diagnosis is "Disturbed thought processes." Be specific in writing nursing interventions for this client. Explain why you are implementing each intervention

Answer 1

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a psychotic condition characterised by the abnormalities in thinking, emotions, volitions and faculties, which usually leads to social withdrawal in the presence of clear consciousness.

Delusional thinking

Delusions are the false fixed belief or it is the false unshakable convictions.

Nursing diagnosis

Disturbed thought process related to possible biochemical changes as evidenced by the verbalization of client regarding suspicion on others.

Goal/ outcome

Patient expresses delusional material less frequently

Nursing interventions

1. Assess the client's delusional thinking pattern

( understanding the type of delusional pattern, helps in planning nursing interventions)

2. Recognises the client's delusions as the client's perception of the environment

( recognising client's perception of the environment can help the nurse to understand the feelings of client.)

3. Identify feelings related to delusions and suspicions on others.

( Client's anxiety may lessen, when he believes that he is understood)

4. Use touch cautiously, specially if the client shows any ideas of persecution.

( Patients who have the delusion of persecution or suspicious may perceive touch as threatening and may react aggressively)

5. Don't argue with the client's belief that they are false and unreal

( Arguing will not do any good to patient, instead he feels more isolated and misunderstood)

6. Distract the client by engaging them in reality based activities such as arts and crafts or card games etc.

( During the time of reality based activities, client is free from delusional thinking)

7. Administer medications( antipsychotics)as per Doctor's order

( antipsychotics helps to cut down delusional thinking. )