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. "Did you experience any childhood trauma?"
Childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect, can contribute to various mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety disorders. While trauma can impact a person's mental health, it does not directly assess the risk for alcohol use disorder.
B. "Are you the result of a twin birth?"
Being a twin or the result of multiple births does not inherently indicate a risk for alcohol use disorder. This question is related to an individual's birth status and has no direct connection to the assessment of alcohol-related issues.
C. "Have you ever purposefully lost a job?"
This is the correct choice. Purposefully losing a job might indicate behavioral issues related to alcohol misuse or impairment. Individuals with alcohol use disorder may engage in behaviors that lead to job loss, such as absenteeism, poor performance, or conflict at the workplace due to alcohol consumption.
D. "Did your parent have a viral infection while pregnant with you?"
Prenatal viral infections can potentially affect fetal development and lead to certain health conditions. However, this question is not directly related to the risk of alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use disorder is primarily influenced by environmental factors, genetic predisposition, and individual behaviors related to alcohol consumption. Prenatal viral infections are not a typical indicator of alcohol-related concerns.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Instruct the client to consume a low-sodium diet to decrease hand tremors:
While maintaining a stable sodium intake is important for individuals taking lithium to avoid fluctuations in lithium levels, a low-sodium diet is not specifically indicated to address hand tremors caused by lithium. Adjusting sodium levels is more about maintaining a consistent intake to stabilize lithium levels over time.
B. Teach the client to take the lithium in a single daily dose:
Lithium is often prescribed in divided doses to maintain stable blood levels throughout the day and minimize side effects. However, the dosing regimen (once or multiple times a day) is usually determined by the healthcare provider based on the individual's needs. Changing the dosing frequency is not the primary intervention for managing hand tremors.
C. Contact the provider for a possible decrease in the lithium dosage:
Hand tremors are a common side effect of lithium. If a client is experiencing bothersome side effects within the therapeutic range, the appropriate action is to contact the healthcare provider. The provider can assess the situation, possibly adjust the dosage, or explore other management options to alleviate the tremors while maintaining the therapeutic effect of the medication.
D. Encourage the client to take naproxen sodium to decrease tremors:
Encouraging the client to take naproxen sodium or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is not recommended when the client is on lithium therapy. NSAIDs can interact with lithium, potentially leading to increased lithium levels and toxicity. Combining these medications should be avoided.
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