Question

when dealing with a suspicious patient, which behaviors should the nurse display?

select all that apply.

avoid eye contact.
maintain a routine.
avoid physical contact.
speak directly to the patient.
assign patient to a different nurse each shift.

Explanation:

Analyze therapeutic interventions for a suspicious/paranoid patient

• Avoid eye contact: Incorrect. While intense staring can be perceived as threatening, completely avoiding eye contact communicates rejection, fear, or dishonesty, which increases suspicion.
• Maintain a routine: Correct. Predictability, consistency, and a structured routine help build trust and reduce anxiety or suspicion in paranoid patients.
• Avoid physical contact: Correct. Suspicious patients often misinterpret touch as a threat, physical aggression, or an attempt to harm them. Keeping physical distance and avoiding touch is therapeutic.
• Speak directly to the patient: Correct. Clear, direct, and honest communication prevents the patient from misinterpreting whispers, side conversations, or ambiguous statements.
• Assign patient to a different nurse each shift: Incorrect. Frequent changes in staff prevent the establishment of a trusting relationship and increase anxiety and suspicion. Consistency in staff assignments is preferred.

Answer:

• Avoid eye contact.
• Maintain a routine. (Correct answer)
• Avoid physical contact. (Correct answer)
• Speak directly to the patient. (Correct answer)
• Assign patient to a different nurse each shift.