A patient diagnosed with delirium sees the intravenous (IV) tubing and believes it to be a snake. How should the healthcare provider document this behavior?

The patient is experiencing an illusion, which is the misinterpretation of a real stimulus. A hallucination is a false sensory perception not associated with a real stimulus. A delusion is a false personal belief that is maintained in spite of evidence to the contrary. A patient who is confused would not believe the IV tubing is a snake.