Question

the patient has a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. which key points are important for the nurse to remember when interacting with this patient on the unit?

select all that apply.

speak directly to the patient.
do not pressure the patient to talk.
try to avoid eye contact with the patient.
avoid touching the patient without notification or permission.
post the group and activity schedule on the unit.
remember to whisper when talking and joking with other staff members.

Explanation:

Analyze communication strategies for paranoid schizophrenia

1. Speak directly to the patient: Direct, clear, and honest communication reduces suspicion and builds trust.
2. Do not pressure the patient to talk: Forcing interaction can increase anxiety and paranoia; allowing space is therapeutic.
3. Try to avoid eye contact with the patient: Extreme or prolonged eye contact can be perceived as threatening, but total avoidance is non-therapeutic. Moderate, non-threatening eye contact is recommended.
4. Avoid touching the patient without notification or permission: Patients with paranoia may interpret physical touch as a threat or assault.
5. Post the group and activity schedule on the unit: Clear schedules provide structure, predictability, and reduce suspicion or fear of the unknown.
6. Remember to whisper when talking and joking with other staff members: Whispering or laughing in sight of a paranoid patient can trigger delusions that they are the subject of the conversation.

Evaluate each option against therapeutic principles

• Speak directly to the patient: Correct.
• Do not pressure the patient to talk: Correct.
• Try to avoid eye contact with the patient: Incorrect.
• Avoid touching the patient without notification or permission: Correct.
• Post the group and activity schedule on the unit: Correct.
• Remember to whisper when talking and joking with other staff members: Incorrect.

Answer:

• Speak directly to the patient. (Correct answer)
• Do not pressure the patient to talk. (Correct answer)
• Try to avoid eye contact with the patient.
• Avoid touching the patient without notification or permission. (Correct answer)
• Post the group and activity schedule on the unit. (Correct answer)
• Remember to whisper when talking and joking with other staff members.