A client is to receive medications that are highly teratogenic.
What question should the nurse ask the client to support safe medication administration?

This is the most therapeutic response because it shows respect for the client’s autonomy and allows the nurse to explore the client’s concerns and feelings about the medication.

It also helps to establish trust and rapport with the client. Choice B. Report refusal to the charge nurse.

This is wrong because it does not address the client’s immediate needs and may make the client feel ignored or dismissed.

Choice C. Explain the purpose of the medication.

This is wrong because it may sound like lecturing or persuading the client, which can increase resistance and hostility.

Choice D. Encourage the client to take the medication.

This is wrong because it does not acknowledge the client’s right to refuse treatment and may imply that the nurse knows better than the client what is best for them.

This is because the patient may be experiencing serotonin toxicity, a potentially life- threatening condition caused by excessive levels of serotonin in the brain. Paroxetine (Paxil) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases serotonin levels, and some other medications or supplements may interact with it and cause serotonin toxicity. Some of the symptoms of serotonin toxicity include agitation, increased sweating, and hallucinations.

Choice B is wrong because administering an anti-anxiety medication may worsen serotonin toxicity, especially if the medication is also an SSRI or another serotonergic agent.

Choice C is wrong because placing the patient in loose bilateral arm restraints may increase the risk of injury or agitation, and does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms.

Choice D is wrong because telling the patient that the voices they are hearing are not real may not be helpful or reassuring, and may also increase the patient’s distress or confusion.