Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What refers to delusions that someone or someone close to the person is being treated malevolently?

1. Grandiose type

2. Persecutory type

3. Referential type

4. Somatic type

The correct answer is: Persecutory type

The choice that refers to delusions where an individual believes that they or someone close to them is being treated malevolently is indeed the persecutory type. This type of delusion often involves the person feeling that they are under threat, being harassed, or conspired against by others. Those experiencing persecutory delusions may interpret benign events as harmful and feel a pervasive sense of danger surrounding them. In clinical practice, recognizing persecutory delusions is important because they can significantly impact a person's well-being and behavior. It’s not uncommon for individuals with these delusions to become fearful or defensive, affecting their interactions with others and their approach to everyday situations. The other types of delusions refer to different themes that don't fit this definition. For instance, grandiose types involve inflated self-esteem, referential types involve the belief that certain gestures or comments are directly related to the individual, and somatic types focus on false beliefs about the body or its functions. Understanding these distinctions is key in identifying and addressing various mental health conditions.