A client with paranoid delusions refuses to eat, claiming the food is poisoned. Which nurse response is appropriate?

• A. It must be dangerous to you
• B. It must be frightening to you. Has something made you feel that your food is poisoned?
• C. There is nothing to worry about
• D. You are imagining things

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is using therapeutic communication with someone who has paranoid delusions. When a client says the food is poisoned, the nurse should acknowledge the fear and open a path for dialogue without arguing or dismissing the belief. Saying “It must be frightening to you” validates the emotion and shows empathy, which helps reduce defensiveness. Following with “Has something made you feel that your food is poisoned?” invites the client to share experiences or triggers in a non-threatening way, providing crucial information for risk assessment and safety planning. This approach focuses on the person’s feelings and experiences, builds trust, and keeps the conversation safe and collaborative.

Other responses either dismiss the fear, imply the belief isn’t real, or confront it, which can increase anxiety and defensiveness and derail accurate assessment.