Unshakable and persistent ideas are called as?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2018

Explanation

A delusion is defined as a fixed, false belief that is firmly held and unshakeable, even when presented with contradictory evidence.
The key characteristics described in the question—'unshakable' and 'persistent'—are the defining features of a delusion.
Unlike other thought disturbances, the individual with a delusion is completely convinced of the belief's reality.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option A: An obsession is a recurrent and persistent thought, but the individual often recognizes it as irrational and a product of their own mind (ego-dystonic). It is intrusive and unwanted, but not necessarily 'unshakeable' in the same way as a delusion.
Option C: A compulsion is a repetitive behavior or mental act (e.g., hand washing, counting) that a person feels driven to perform, usually in response to an obsession. It is an action, not an idea or belief.
Option D: An illusion is a misperception or misinterpretation of a real external stimulus. For example, mistaking a shadow for a person. It is a perceptual error, not a fixed belief system.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definitions of Psychotic and Anxiety-Related Symptoms as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing the difference between these terms is fundamental for accurate psychiatric assessment and charting in nursing.
A nurse's response to a patient with a delusion is critical for therapeutic rapport and safety. Arguing with the delusion is counterproductive and can damage the nurse-patient relationship.
What if? If a patient's delusion is persecutory (e.g., believing the staff is trying to poison them), the nursing priority shifts to safety. This includes observing medication administration, monitoring for agitation, and ensuring the patient feels safe to prevent potential aggression or self-harm.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the keywords in the question stem: 'unshakable' and 'persistent ideas'.
The word 'unshakable' is the most critical clue. It implies a belief that is resistant to all forms of evidence or argument.
Evaluate each option against this definition.
Obsession: A persistent idea, but often recognized as irrational. Not 'unshakeable'.
Delusion: A fixed, false belief. The term 'fixed' is synonymous with 'unshakeable'. This is a strong match.
Compulsion: A behavior, not an idea.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Definitions of Psychotic and Anxiety-Related Symptoms
Stem keywords: unshakable, persistent ideas
Lead-in keywords: are called as

Question ID

Q0jjFLxKQfK_v-3OQ7WEPU

Reference Book

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) pp. 3802-3804, 3801-3803, 3797-3799

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