Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

A false perception of orders that an individual feels obliged to obey is known as what?

1. Command hallucination

2. Delusion of grandeur

3. Visual hallucination

4. Auditory hallucination

The correct answer is: Command hallucination

A false perception of orders that an individual feels obliged to obey is referred to as a command hallucination. This type of hallucination typically involves the individual hearing voices that direct them to perform certain actions, which can often be harmful or dangerous. Command hallucinations are specifically associated with auditory perceptions, where an individual may hear specific instructions or demands that aren't based in reality, leading to a compelling urge to comply with these perceived commands. In contrast, delusions of grandeur refer to a person's false belief that they possess extraordinary abilities, wealth, or fame, and don't involve auditory perceptions or commands. Visual hallucinations are perceptions of sights that are not present, while auditory hallucinations cover a broader range of experiences, including any auditory phenomena, but do not specifically imply the presence of commands that incite action. Thus, the distinction lies in the direct nature of command hallucinations, where the individual feels a compelling need to act based on the perceived auditory input.