A nurse is caring for a client who is involuntarily admitted for major depressive disorder and refuses to take a prescribed oral antianxiety medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Implement consequences until the client takes the medication.
Inform the client that he does not have the right to refuse the medication.
Offer the client the medication at the next scheduled dose time.
Administer the medication to the client via IM injection.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Implement consequences until the client takes the medication:
Punitive measures should never be used in healthcare, especially in the context of mental health treatment. Coercion and punitive consequences can lead to mistrust and hinder the therapeutic relationship, which is crucial in mental health care.
B. Inform the client that he does not have the right to refuse the medication:
While it's important for the client to understand the potential consequences of refusing medication, it's also crucial to respect the client's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own treatment. Involuntary admission doesn't negate the individual's right to be informed and involved in their care decisions to the extent they are able.
C. Offer the client the medication at the next scheduled dose time:
Respecting the client's autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle in nursing care. The nurse should continue to offer the medication to the client at the scheduled times. It's essential to maintain open communication with the client, addressing concerns and attempting to build trust, which can sometimes lead to the client accepting the medication voluntarily.
D. Administer the medication to the client via IM injection:
Administering medication against a patient's will is ethically and legally questionable without proper authorization, especially if the patient is not an immediate danger to themselves or others. This approach should be avoided whenever possible.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Naltrexone:
Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist. It blocks the effects of opioids and alcohol in the brain. It's often used as part of a long-term treatment plan to prevent relapse in individuals who have already stopped drinking and are trying to maintain sobriety. Naltrexone does not directly manage acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Instead, it helps individuals reduce or quit drinking over the long term by reducing the pleasure associated with alcohol consumption.
B. Disulfiram:
Disulfiram is an aversion therapy medication used as a deterrent to drinking. When someone taking disulfiram consumes alcohol, it causes unpleasant physical reactions, such as nausea, flushing, and palpitations. This discourages individuals from drinking while they are on the medication. Disulfiram is not used to manage acute withdrawal symptoms but rather serves as a deterrent to drinking for individuals who are trying to maintain sobriety.
C. Lorazepam:
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine medication that acts as a central nervous system depressant. It is commonly used to manage acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam help to reduce anxiety, agitation, and the risk of seizures associated with alcohol withdrawal. They are typically used in a controlled manner to provide relief during the acute phase of withdrawal.
D. Acamprosate:
Acamprosate is used in the maintenance phase of alcohol use disorder treatment. It helps individuals maintain abstinence by stabilizing the chemical imbalances in the brain that occur after prolonged alcohol use. Acamprosate is not used for acute withdrawal management but is instead prescribed to support individuals who have already stopped drinking and are trying to avoid relapse over the long term.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Reassure staff members that the debriefing is confidential."
This is an appropriate first step. Ensuring confidentiality creates a safe environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their experiences and emotions.
B. "Have staff members discuss their involvement in the event."
This can be a part of the debriefing process, but it might not be the first step. Generally, individuals are given the option to share their experiences, but they should not be forced to do so. Some might not be ready to talk about their involvement immediately.
C. "Ask staff members to describe their most traumatic memories of the event."
This might be too intrusive as a first step. It's important to approach discussions about specific traumatic memories with caution and only when individuals are comfortable sharing.
D. "Provide stress-management exercises to the staff members."
This could be a helpful step after ensuring confidentiality and allowing individuals the opportunity to express their feelings. Stress-management exercises can provide valuable coping strategies.
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