What is the role of the nurse when a client expresses delusions about a healthcare provider?

When a client expresses delusions about a healthcare provider, the most appropriate role of the nurse is to encourage the client to explore their feelings of fear. This approach allows the nurse to create a safe space for the client to discuss their emotions and concerns. Exploring feelings can help the nurse gain insight into the client’s mindset and the triggers for their delusions, which is vital for establishing therapeutic rapport and addressing underlying issues.

Encouraging exploration also aligns with a person-centered approach in nursing, which emphasizes understanding the client’s experiences and feelings. By engaging the client in dialogue about their fears, the nurse can help the client process those emotions, potentially reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of safety and trust in the healthcare environment. This exploration is essential in managing delusions as it respects the client’s experience while simultaneously guiding them toward a more rational understanding of their fears.

The other options may not be as effective in addressing the client's delusions. Validating the client's feelings as accurate may reinforce their delusions instead of providing proper support. Changing the subject could dismiss the client’s concerns, leaving them feeling unheard. Reassuring the client about the healthcare provider's intentions without addressing the underlying fear may be ineffective, as it does not engage with the client’s emotional state