The health care provider prescribes haloperidol 10 mg for a client with severe psychosis but the client refuses the medication. Which nursing action is appropriate?
Accept the client's decision and continue to maintain safety.
Obtain a discharge order for nonadherence to the medication regimen.
Restrain the client and give the medication intramuscularly.
Inform the client that refusing the medication means not getting any better.
The Correct Answer is A
Every individual has the right to refuse medical treatment, including medications, as long as they are competent to make that decision. It is essential to respect the client's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own health care. When a client refuses medication, the nurse should document the refusal, inform the healthcare provider, and explore the reasons behind the refusal if possible.
The other options are not appropriate for the following reasons:
B- Obtaining a discharge order for nonadherence: While it is essential to address nonadherence to medication, discharging the client solely for refusing the medication may not be the best course of action. Instead, the nurse should work collaboratively with the healthcare team to address the client's concerns and explore alternative treatment options.
C- Restraining the client and giving the medication intramuscularly: Restraints should only be used as a last resort when a client presents an imminent danger to themselves or others, and it must be done in accordance with facility policies and legal regulations. Using restraints to administer medication against a client's will is a violation of their rights and is not an appropriate response to medication refusal.
D-Informing the client that refusing the medication means not getting any better: This response may be seen as coercive and manipulative. It is not ethical to use fear or guilt to persuade a client to take medication against their will. Instead, the nurse should provide information about the potential benefits and risks of the medication and address the client's concerns or fears about the treatment. Ultimately, the decision to take the medication should be left to the client after they have been fully informed about their options.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is c. Beneficence.
Choice A: Autonomy
Autonomy refers to the right of individuals to make decisions about their own lives and bodies. In the context of nursing, it means respecting a patient’s right to make their own healthcare decisions. However, in the case of seclusion due to loud and intrusive behavior, the primary concern is not about the patient’s decision-making capacity but rather the safety and well-being of the patient and others on the unit.
Choice B: Justice
Justice is the ethical principle that emphasizes fairness and equality. It involves ensuring that patients are treated fairly and that resources are distributed equitably. While justice is important in healthcare, it does not directly address the appropriateness of seclusion in response to disruptive behavior.
Choice C: Beneficence
Beneficence is the ethical principle that focuses on doing good and acting in the best interest of the patient. It involves taking actions that promote the well-being of patients and prevent harm. In the context of seclusion, beneficence guides the nurse to consider whether secluding the patient will prevent harm to the patient and others, thereby promoting overall safety and well-being.
Choice D: Veracity
Veracity refers to the principle of truth-telling and honesty. It involves providing accurate and truthful information to patients. While veracity is crucial in building trust between healthcare providers and patients, it does not directly relate to the decision of whether to use seclusion for managing disruptive behavior.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Explanation: The priority question the nurse should ask the client during the initial assessment is whether they feel safe in their home (Option B). This question is essential because it addresses the client's safety and well-being, particularly regarding the possibility of domestic violence or intimate partner violence.
Assessing for safety is a critical component of the initial assessment, especially for female clients, as they may be at higher risk for experiencing domestic violence or abuse. By asking about the client's safety in their home, the nurse can identify potential issues related to violence or unsafe living conditions and take appropriate actions to ensure the client's safety.
Options A, C, and D are also important assessment questions, but they are not the priority in this scenario:
A. "Do you have enough money to pay for your care today?" - This is an important question regarding the client's financial situation and ability to access healthcare. However, safety and well-being take precedence over financial concerns in the initial assessment.
C. "Do you take illegal street drugs?" - This question is crucial for assessing the client's substance use and potential risk factors related to drug use. However, the safety question (Option B) is more immediate and directly addresses the client's well-being.
D. "Do you obtain regular medical care?" - This question is vital for assessing the client's healthcare needs and access to healthcare services. However, the safety question (Option B) should be addressed first to ensure the client's immediate safety and well-being.
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