If a person is hearing voices, what should you ask?

If a person is hearing voices, what should you ask?

• A. Deny the voices.
• B. Ask what the voices are saying.
• C. Tell them to ignore the voices.
• D. Advise them to sleep.

Answer: (B)

When someone is hearing voices, the most constructive step is to ask what the voices are saying. This approach validates their experience and gives you essential information about their mental state and risk level. Knowing the content helps you assess whether the voices are commanding dangerous actions, how distressed the person is, and what kind of support or intervention is needed. It also sets a cooperative, non-judgmental tone that can reduce agitation and help you guide the situation toward safety and help. Denying the voices, telling them to ignore them, or advising them to sleep all miss the opportunity to understand their experience and address immediate needs, which can increase confusion or danger.

When someone is hearing voices, the most constructive step is to ask what the voices are saying. This approach validates their experience and gives you essential information about their mental state and risk level. Knowing the content helps you assess whether the voices are commanding dangerous actions, how distressed the person is, and what kind of support or intervention is needed. It also sets a cooperative, non-judgmental tone that can reduce agitation and help you guide the situation toward safety and help. Denying the voices, telling them to ignore them, or advising them to sleep all miss the opportunity to understand their experience and address immediate needs, which can increase confusion or danger.