In a startling situation, when a client claims, "I'm a table," what is the most appropriate response for the nurse?

In a situation where a client expresses a delusion or a distorted belief, such as claiming, "I'm a table," an appropriate response is to provide gentle, empathetic guidance while acknowledging the client's reality. By holding out a hand and stating, "You're not a table; you're a person," the nurse effectively grounds the client in reality while also demonstrating care and validation. This response helps the client feel understood without dismissing their experience outright, which can be crucial in fostering trust and rapport.

This approach does not belittle the client’s feelings or beliefs but instead redirects them toward a more accurate self-concept. It is vital to remain calm and supportive, as a confrontational or dismissive approach can escalate distress or confusion for the client. In therapeutic settings, it is important to guide without insisting the client abandon their belief immediately, thus utilizing an approach that promotes understanding and connection.

In contrast, laughing or ignoring the comment undermines the client's feelings and can create a perception of ridicule or disregard, which is counterproductive to building a therapeutic relationship. Encouraging the client to stand up also misses the opportunity to engage with the underlying belief in a meaningful way, and might leave the client feeling unvalidated. Asking the client to explain what they mean could be