Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What common delusional thought might a nurse assess in a client suspected of having dementia?

1. People are stealing my things

2. I am being monitored by the government

3. Everyone is out to get me

4. My house is haunted

The correct answer is: People are stealing my things

In clients suspected of having dementia, it is common for them to express delusional thoughts related to their possessions. The belief that "people are stealing my things" reflects a form of paranoia that can arise as cognitive functions decline. This type of delusion often stems from the individual's confusion and inability to accurately interpret their environment. As dementia progresses, individuals may become more forgetful and lose track of their items, leading to feelings of insecurity and suspicion. This can result in the delusion that others are stealing from them. Such beliefs can be distressing for the client and may require the nurse to employ strategies to reassure and comfort the individual while addressing safety concerns. The other statements could relate to paranoid or other delusional thinking but are less specific to the typical experience of individuals with dementia, who more frequently express worries about losing personal belongings, as this is directly tied to their diminished memory and cognitive awareness.