While talking with a client diagnosed with schizophrenia, you notice the client loses eye contact and stares at the wall with facial grimaces. The most appropriate intervention would be to:

While talking with a client diagnosed with schizophrenia, you notice the client loses eye contact and stares at the wall with facial grimaces. The most appropriate intervention would be to:

• A. End the conversation because the client is not listening to you.
• B. Administer to the client the ordered PRN Artane.
• C. Ask the client directly, 'What are you seeing on the wall?'
• D. Redirect the client's attention to continue your conversation.

Answer: (C)

When someone with schizophrenia appears to be seeing something others don’t, the priority is to acknowledge the experience and explore it directly. Asking, “What are you seeing on the wall?” invites the client to describe a possible visual hallucination, which helps determine what they’re experiencing and how best to respond. This approach validates the person’s reality without judgment, reduces distress, and supports safety and trust. It also guides subsequent steps, such as providing reassurance, grounding, or adjusting care as needed. Ending the conversation or immediately giving a medication without first assessing the symptom doesn’t address what they’re experiencing and may miss important information. Redirecting the discussion might be helpful later, but it should follow acknowledgment and assessment of the hallucination.

When someone with schizophrenia appears to be seeing something others don’t, the priority is to acknowledge the experience and explore it directly. Asking, “What are you seeing on the wall?” invites the client to describe a possible visual hallucination, which helps determine what they’re experiencing and how best to respond. This approach validates the person’s reality without judgment, reduces distress, and supports safety and trust. It also guides subsequent steps, such as providing reassurance, grounding, or adjusting care as needed. Ending the conversation or immediately giving a medication without first assessing the symptom doesn’t address what they’re experiencing and may miss important information. Redirecting the discussion might be helpful later, but it should follow acknowledgment and assessment of the hallucination.