A nurse working in an outpatient mental health facility is caring for a client who has anxiety and was discharged from an inpatient mental health facility one week ago.

Exhibits

A nurse in an outpatient mental health facility is assessing a client who has anxiety. Click to highlight the findings in the Nurses’ Notes that indicate an improvement in the client’s condition. To deselect, click on the finding again.

The client appears to be well-groomed.

The client’s current weight is 54 kg (119 lb.).

The client states they are sleeping 5 to 6 hours per night, but having an occasional nightmare.

The client verbalizes a decreased appetite and gastrointestinal discomfort.

The client states, “I feel anxious about leaving my house. I feel like everyone is staring at me and judging me.”

The client verbalizes that bullying experienced during high school has led to anxiety.

The client engages in thought-stopping behavioral therapy and cognitive restructuring.

The client reports taking escitalopram 20 mg daily, 2 hours after breakfast.

Choice A reason: Administering the medication via IM injection against the client's will can be considered a violation of the client's rights, especially in the context of mental health care where consent and autonomy are highly valued. Involuntary treatment, including medication administration, should only be considered in situations where the client poses an immediate risk to themselves or others, which is not indicated in the scenario provided.

Choice B reason: Offering the medication at the next scheduled dose time respects the client's current decision to refuse the medication while also maintaining the prescribed treatment plan. It allows time for the client to reconsider their decision and provides an opportunity for the nurse to engage in further discussion about the benefits and importance of the medication, potentially addressing any concerns or fears the client may have.

Choice C reason: Informing the client that they do not have the right to refuse medication is incorrect and unethical. Patients have the right to informed consent, which includes the right to refuse treatment. This is particularly important in mental health care, where respecting the client's autonomy and rights is essential for building trust and promoting recovery.

Choice D reason: Implementing consequences for refusing medication is coercive and can damage the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the client. It may also lead to increased resistance and distrust from the client, which can negatively impact their overall care and treatment outcomes.

Choice A reason: Witnessing an informed consent is a legal process that typically requires a licensed nurse or healthcare provider to ensure that the client fully understands the procedure and its risks. It is not appropriate to delegate this task to assistive personnel.

Choice B reason: Explaining the benefits of light therapy involves providing health education, which should be done by a licensed nurse or healthcare provider who has the necessary knowledge and training to ensure accurate information is conveyed.

Choice C reason: Discussing the adverse effects of medications is part of medication education and should be conducted by a licensed nurse or healthcare provider. Assistive personnel are not trained to provide this level of detailed medical information.

Choice D reason: Participating in solitary activities does not require clinical judgment and can be safely delegated to assistive personnel. This task involves engaging the client in activities that can help manage their mania and provide a therapeutic environment.