Page 2284 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

Abnormal Thought Processes

Description

Abnormal thought processes displayed by a client with a mental health
problem that occur as a result of a mental health disorder

Types

Circumstantiality: Before getting to the point or answering a question, the
client gets caught up in countless details and explanations.
Confabulation: Filling a memory gap with detailed fantasy believed by the
teller; the purpose of confabulation is to maintain self-esteem; seen in organic
conditions such as Korsakoff’s psychosis
Flight of Ideas: Constant flow of speech in which the client jumps from 1 topic
to another in rapid succession; a connection between topics exists, although it
is sometimes difficult to identify; seen in manic states
Looseness of Association: Haphazard, illogical, and confused thinking and
interrupted connections in thought; seen mostly in schizophrenic disorders
Neologisms: Client makes up words that have meaning only to the individual;
often part of a delusional system
Thought Blocking: Sudden cessation of a thought in the middle of a sentence;
client is unable to continue the train of thought; often, sudden new thoughts
unrelated to the topic come up
Word Salad: Mixture of words and phrases that has no meaning

Box 65-11

Delusions

Description

A false belief held to be true, even when there is evidence to the contrary

Types

Grandeur: False belief that one is a powerful and important person
Jealousy: False belief that one’s partner or mate is going out with other persons
Persecution: Thought that one is being singled out for harm by others

Interventions

▪ Ask the client to describe the delusion.
▪ Be open and honest in interactions to reduce suspiciousness.
▪ Focus conversation on reality-based topics, rather than on the delusion.

2284