To effectively treat denial in a patient, a nurse should:

Confronting a patient about their denial can bring awareness to their situation and encourage them to recognize the reality of their circumstances. Denial is a defense mechanism that can prevent individuals from acknowledging their problems or the severity of their situation. By directly addressing the denial, the nurse can help the patient begin to face their feelings and thoughts that may be difficult to process. This approach is often necessary to initiate change and promote healthier coping strategies.

Effective confrontation should be done sensitively and empathetically, as it allows the patient to feel supported rather than attacked. By validating their feelings while gently guiding them to see the truth, nurses can facilitate a therapeutic environment where the patient feels safe to explore their emotions and experiences. This can be an important step toward accepting their condition and ultimately pursuing treatment or change.

In contrast, merely encouraging more discussion about feelings may not penetrate the protective layer of denial, while reinforcing positive behaviors doesn't directly address the underlying issue. Recommending psychiatric hospitalization may be appropriate in severe cases, but it is a more extreme measure and may not be necessary initially. The goal is to foster awareness and understanding, and confronting denial can be a crucial first step in that process.