Author Question: A nurse is caring for a patient with schizophrenia who has delusions that are religious in nature. ... (Read 61 times)

NguyenJ · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A nurse is caring for a patient with schizophrenia who has delusions that are religious in nature. What is most important for the nurse to remember when caring for this patient?

1. The delusions manifest as a result of spiritual distress.
2. The delusions are intertwined with the patient's religion.
3. The patient may not be mentally ill if the delusions are not persecutory.
4. The patient may be expressing his or her beliefs as well as having delusions.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who has a strong Christian faith. What is most important for the nurse to determine about the patient's beliefs?

1. Whether the beliefs have been proven by others of the same faith
2. Whether the beliefs have been present for an extended period of time
3. Whether the beliefs seem to be logical and enhance the patient's faith
4. Whether the beliefs seem to interfere with or enhance the patient's growth and well-being

kristenb95 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 4
Explanation: In situations such as this, one of the challenges for nurses is to determine the difference between an individual who is very zealous in his or her faith and someone who is actually manifesting illness. In this case, the patient may be expressing his or her beliefs as well as having delusions. Delusions that are religious in nature are not necessarily intertwined with the patient's religion, nor do they always manifest as a result of spiritual distress. The patient remains mentally ill with schizophrenia and delusions, whether or not the delusions are persecutory in nature.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 4
Explanation: Because not all beliefs are health producing, it is important that nurses assess whether patients' beliefs seem to interfere with or enhance the patient's growth and well-being. A patient's beliefs do not need to be logical, whether the patient has mental illness or not. While it may be important to determine how long the patient has had the beliefs, this is not the most important action. Beliefs do not need to be proven by others of the same faith.