A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is refusing to take a prescribed medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Remind the client that they have been refusing the medication for 5 days.
inform the client that their provider will contact them to discuss their refusal of the medication
Document the client's refusal in the medication administration record.
Notify the pharmacy about the client's refusal of the medication
The Correct Answer is C
A. Remind the client that they have been refusing the medication for 5 days: Pointing out the duration of refusal may come across as confrontational and does not respect the client's right to refuse treatment. It can also damage the therapeutic relationship without addressing the underlying concerns about the medication.
B. Inform the client that their provider will contact them to discuss their refusal of the medication: While involving the provider may eventually be necessary, the immediate nursing action should be to document the refusal accurately. The nurse can then inform the provider if needed based on facility policy.
C. Document the client's refusal in the medication administration record: Clients have the legal right to refuse medication, and it is the nurse’s responsibility to document the refusal clearly and objectively. Accurate documentation ensures legal protection for the client and the healthcare team and maintains the integrity of the medical record.
D. Notify the pharmacy about the client's refusal of the medication: Notifying the pharmacy about a single medication refusal is unnecessary unless there are repeated refusals requiring a change in the medication order. The pharmacy’s role is not to manage client compliance but to dispense prescribed medications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E","G","H"]
Explanation
- Temperature: A temperature of 37.5° C (99.5° F) is within the normal to slightly elevated range and is not high enough to be classified as fever. Therefore, it does not require immediate reporting unless accompanied by other signs of infection or systemic illness.
- Sclera: Yellow-tinged sclera suggests jaundice, indicating possible liver dysfunction, which could be related to substance use or hepatitis. Jaundice is a significant clinical finding that requires immediate provider notification for further evaluation and management.
- Bowel sounds: Hyperactive bowel sounds are a non-specific finding and can result from gastrointestinal irritation, substance use, or stress. Alone, they do not warrant urgent reporting unless accompanied by more serious signs like severe pain or vomiting.
- Abdominal tenderness: Epigastric tenderness could suggest gastrointestinal complications such as hepatitis, pancreatitis, or gastritis, especially in the context of drug use. Abdominal pain on palpation is a concerning symptom that must be reported for further diagnostic workup.
- Anorexia: Significant anorexia along with nausea, vomiting, and substance use points to potential systemic illness or gastrointestinal involvement. In adolescents, persistent anorexia is a warning sign that needs prompt evaluation to prevent nutritional deficiencies and worsening health.
- Breath sounds: Clear breath sounds are a normal finding and do not require immediate provider notification. There are no respiratory concerns indicated by the lung assessment provided in the notes.
- Heart rate: A heart rate of 103/min indicates mild tachycardia, which could be due to dehydration, substance use, or an underlying systemic condition. Tachycardia should be reported to assess if immediate interventions like fluid replacement are necessary.
- Skin: Dry skin with poor turgor signals dehydration, a critical finding especially with the reported vomiting and drug use. Dehydration can rapidly worsen and must be addressed by the provider for fluid management and further care.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Demonstrate to the client how to use the signaling device: Teaching the client how to use the call light is the priority because it ensures they can easily ask for assistance, especially with limited mobility. Immediate access to help reduces the risk of falls, injury, and delays in meeting urgent needs.
B. Explain the facility's meal schedule: While it is important for the client to know when meals are served, this information does not impact their immediate safety or ability to get assistance when needed, making it a lower priority than teaching about the call light.
C. Demonstrate to the client how to use the television: Teaching about the television promotes comfort but is nonessential for safety or urgent needs. Comfort measures can be addressed after critical safety interventions have been completed.
D. Explain the medication administration schedule: Understanding medication schedules is important for client education and adherence, but ensuring the ability to call for help is more immediately critical, especially in a client with limited mobility.
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