MANAGING A PATIENT WITH INAPPROPRIATE THOUGHT CONTENT (DELUSION)

REQUIREMENTS #

1. Table
2. Chair
3. Pen and paper
4. Patient’s folder (Electronic/Manual)
5. Serene environment

STEPS #

1. Establish rapport (refer procedure) and explain procedure
2. Interview patient to determine whether delusion is present
3. Respect patient’s views, maintain control and distance during interview
4. Encourage expression of feelings and thoughts
5. Identify precipitating factors
6. Show acceptance, listen and avoid arguing with patient
7. Give honest perceptions of reality in feedback
8. Observe for verbal and non-verbal cues
9. Inform patient about the support system available
10. Teach patient therapeutic values of medicines and daily routines that promote compliance
11. Express appreciation and direct patient to the next activity
12. Document observations and findings in nurses’ notes/patient’s folder