A psychiatric client is convinced the FBI is watching their house. What is the best nurse response to address the delusion?

• A. The FBI would not be watching you unless there was a good reason.
• B. I don't think that the FBI is watching your house.
• C. I believe that your thoughts are very disturbing to you.
• D. Tell me more about your thoughts.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is to respond in a way that validates the patient’s emotional experience without arguing about the delusion. When you say that your thoughts are very disturbing to you, you acknowledge the distress these thoughts are causing and show genuine empathy. This helps build trust, lowers defensiveness, and invites the patient to open up about what they’re feeling and experiencing, which is essential for rapport and safety. It keeps the focus on the patient’s inner experience rather than challenging the belief itself, which is important because arguing about the reality of the delusion can increase suspicion and withdrawal. While inviting the patient to talk about their thoughts can be useful, naming the distress directly is typically more soothing and therapeutically effective in this moment.