Unshakeable and persistent ideas are called?

Appeared in: JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Explanation

Delusions are defined as fixed, false beliefs that are strongly held and unchangeable, even when presented with evidence that proves them wrong.
The keywords 'unshakeable' and 'persistent' directly align with the core definition of a delusion as a disturbance in thought content.
Unlike other options, delusions are about belief and thought processes, not sensory perception or repetitive actions.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option A: Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts (e.g., hand washing, counting) that a person feels driven to perform to reduce anxiety, not persistent ideas or beliefs.
Option C: Hallucinations are false sensory perceptions without any external stimulus. They involve the senses (hearing, seeing, etc.), whereas delusions are disturbances of thought.
Option D: Illusions are misinterpretations of real external sensory stimuli. For example, mistaking a rope for a snake. The stimulus is real, but the perception is distorted.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Psychiatric Terminology: Thought and Perceptual Disturbances as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate identification of a patient's symptoms is the first step in diagnosis and care planning. Confusing a delusion with a hallucination can lead to incorrect treatment approaches.
Nurses must approach patients with delusions non-confrontationally. Arguing about the delusion is ineffective and can damage the therapeutic relationship. Instead, focus on the feelings the delusion generates and orient the patient to reality.
Patient safety is a major concern. Delusions (e.g., persecutory delusions) can cause a patient to become fearful, agitated, or aggressive, posing a risk to themselves or others.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the question stem. The key phrases are 'unshakeable' and 'persistent ideas'.
Focus on the word 'ideas'. This points towards a disturbance in thought or belief, rather than a sensory experience or a behavior.
Evaluate each option against this understanding:
Compulsions are actions/behaviors.
Hallucinations are sensory perceptions without stimuli.
Illusions are misinterpretations of real stimuli.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Psychiatric Terminology: Thought and Perceptual Disturbances
Stem keywords: unshakeable, persistent ideas
Lead-in keywords: are called
Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QjBgyEs2Cfnfk3UZ9HScDz

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, 3815-3817

Practise the full JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.

Attempt this paper Attempt in the NPrep app