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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The safety of both the client and others is the top priority in this situation. The client's aggressive behavior poses a significant risk, and immediate action is necessary. Calling for an emergency response from trained personnel, such as security or other staff members experienced in handling aggressive behavior, can help ensure the situation is properly managed and de-escalated in a safe manner.

Option B may not be appropriate in this situation, as trying to engage the client in verbal expression of anger while they are in an agitated and aggressive state can potentially escalate the situation further.

Option C is not recommended, as approaching the client in a confrontational manner may further escalate their anger and aggression.

Option D, while it may be beneficial in a different context and when the client is in a more stable state, is not appropriate when the client is actively engaged in aggressive behavior. The focus at this moment should be on ensuring the immediate safety of everyone involved.

A. “If your behavior continues, we have no choice but to place you in seclusion." B. "You have to take this medication to settle you down and stop your behavior." C. “I don't know what set you off today but you have to get along with others." D. “Let’s go to a quiet area and talk about what is upsetting you."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Explanation: This response demonstrates the use of therapeutic communication, specifically offering the client an opportunity to express their feelings and concerns in a non-confrontational manner. By suggesting a private and quiet area to talk to, the nurse provides a safe and supportive environment for the client to explore and process their emotions. This approach can help the client feel heard, validated, and understood, which may reduce their need to act out or engage in argumentative behaviors to express their feelings.

The other responses are not as effective or therapeutic:

A. Threatening the client with seclusion is an aggressive approach and may escalate the client's behavior or cause them to feel cornered and defensive, leading to further acting out.

B. Telling the client they have to take medication to stop their behavior does not address the underlying issues that may be causing their behavior. It can also come across as dismissive of the client's feelings and concerns.

C. Saying "I don't know what set you off today but you have to get along with others" may be perceived as dismissive and does not offer the client an opportunity to express their emotions or address their concerns.

In summary, offering a private space to talk and explore the client's feelings in a non-judgmental and supportive manner is the most beneficial therapeutic response to help the adolescent client decrease acting out behaviors and promote positive communication and coping skills.

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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?

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