A nurse is caring for a client who refuses their morning dose of antihypertensive medication. The client tells the nurse, "I'm not going to take this medication because it makes me sick and dizzy." Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Document the refusal in the client's medical record.
Return the medication to the medication cabinet.
Inform the client of the potential consequences of their refusal.
Notify the provider of the client's refusal.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
While documenting the refusal is important for accurate record-keeping and to ensure communication among the healthcare team, addressing the client's immediate concerns and attempting to resolve the issue of medication refusal should take precedence before documenting.
Choice B Reason:
Returning the medication is a procedural step but is not the immediate action needed when a client refuses medication due to adverse effects. First, it's important to address the client's concerns and discuss the potential consequences of refusal.
When a client refuses medication due to experiencing adverse effects, the initial action for the nurse to take is:
Choice C Reason:
Inform the client of the potential consequences of their refusal is correct. It's essential to engage in a conversation with the client to understand their concerns and educate them about the potential consequences of not taking their antihypertensive medication. The nurse should discuss the risks associated with untreated high blood pressure to ensure the client is informed about the importance of the prescribed medication.
Choice D Reason:
Notifying the provider is important, but it is generally done after the nurse has attempted to address the client’s concerns and informed them of the consequences. The provider should be informed if the refusal persists or if the nurse believes the situation requires further medical intervention.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"He appears anxious about the transfer."While this might be relevant in certain contexts, it is subjective and less critical compared to other clinical information. The transfer report should prioritize objective data that directly impacts the client’s care.
Choice B Reason:
"He is allergic to sulfa." Allergies are crucial information that must be communicated during any transfer. This ensures that the receiving healthcare team is aware and can avoid administering medications that could cause an allergic reaction. This is important information to include in the transfer report.
Choice C Reason:
"His partner has been visiting." While it may be helpful to know about the client’s support system, this information is not as critical as details about the client's health status, medications, or allergies.
Choice D Reason:
"He is voiding adequately." Voiding patterns can be relevant, particularly if there have been recent issues with urinary function or if the client is being monitored for urinary output. However, unless there is a specific reason this is critical to ongoing care, it may not be the most essential information to include.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"I can't change my mind about the care I will receive once I sign my living will." Is incorrect.
This statement suggests a misconception that signing a living will locks in a permanent decision, whereas advance directives can usually be updated or modified as long as the individual is competent to do so.
Choice B Reason:
"If I want life support, I'll need to sign a separate consent form first." Is incorrect. While the concept of a consent form for specific treatments is relevant, it might not fully reflect the broader scope of advance directives, which encompass a range of healthcare preferences beyond just life support.
Choice C Reason:
"I'm glad to have the opportunity to choose what kind of care I receive while I still can." Is correct. This statement reflects the understanding that advance directives offer the opportunity to make decisions about the type of care the client wishes to receive or avoid, empowering them to express their preferences while they are still able to do so.
Choice D Reason:
"Once I fill out my living will, there will be a 1-month delay before it is legally binding." Is incorrect. There isn't typically a standardized waiting period before an advance directive becomes legally binding. The legal validity and activation of advance directives vary by region, but they usually become effective immediately upon completion unless stated otherwise or specific requirements apply.
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