A nurse is assessing a client during a follow-up visit at a behavioral health clinic. The client reports that they have not been taking the prescribed antipsychotic medication on a regular basis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to improve medication adherence?
Discuss the provider's goals for the client's care.
Ask the client if the medication is causing adverse effects.
Tell the client they will be admitted to an inpatient care facility if they do not take the medication.
Request the provider prescribe a second antipsychotic medication to the client.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Discuss the provider's goals for the client's care:
Discussing the provider's goals is essential, but it may not directly address the client's concerns about medication adherence. While these goals are important for the overall care plan, it's crucial to first engage in a conversation with the client about their specific issues and challenges related to taking the prescribed medication. The client's perspective and concerns should be a priority.
B. Ask the client if the medication is causing adverse effects:
This is the recommended choice. Inquiring about adverse effects is important to understand the client's experience with the medication. Some clients may discontinue their medication due to intolerable side effects. By addressing this concern, the nurse can provide education, seek potential solutions, and collaborate with the healthcare team to adjust the medication or dosage. Open communication helps to identify and mitigate barriers to medication adherence.
C. Tell the client they will be admitted to an inpatient care facility if they do not take the medication:
This choice involves a coercive and threatening approach. It's not an ethical or therapeutic method to promote medication adherence. Threatening involuntary hospitalization can create fear and mistrust, potentially leading to further non-compliance and damaging the therapeutic relationship. It should be avoided.
D. Request the provider prescribe a second antipsychotic medication to the client:
This option is not appropriate at this stage. Adding another medication without addressing the underlying issue of non-adherence and without assessing the client's response to the current medication is not advisable. It can complicate the medication regimen, potentially worsen side effects, and doesn't address the primary concern, which is the client's non-adherence to their current medication. It's important to understand the reasons for non-adherence before considering additional medications.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Contact a close relative of the client to discuss the discharge plan:
Involving close relatives or a support system can be beneficial for the client's recovery. However, it's crucial to respect the client's confidentiality and privacy. In some cases, clients might not want their relatives involved or might not have a supportive family environment, so this option should be approached cautiously and with the client's consent.
B. Refer the client to a self-help group:
This is a highly recommended action. Self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide a supportive environment where individuals with alcohol use disorder can share their experiences and coping strategies. These groups can significantly contribute to maintaining sobriety after rehabilitation.
C. Request a discharge prescription for buprenorphine for the client:
Buprenorphine is typically used to treat opioid use disorder, not alcohol use disorder. Medications like disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate are more commonly prescribed to help individuals manage alcohol cravings and maintain abstinence. However, the choice of medication should be individualized and determined by a healthcare provider based on the client's specific needs and medical history.
D. Teach the client to practice systematic desensitization:
Systematic desensitization is a therapeutic technique used to treat phobias and anxieties by gradually exposing individuals to their fears in a controlled and safe manner. While it can be helpful for addressing anxiety-related issues, it's not a standard treatment for alcohol use disorder. Therapeutic interventions for alcohol use disorder often focus on behavioral therapies, counseling, and support groups.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Long-term isolation: Long-term isolation, or social isolation, can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. While prolonged isolation can contribute to mental health issues, it is not a direct risk factor for violent behavior. People who are socially isolated might suffer from emotional distress, but it doesn't necessarily make them violent.
B. Dysthymic disorder: Dysthymic disorder, also known as persistent depressive disorder, is a type of chronic depression. While individuals with dysthymic disorder may experience low moods and a lack of interest in activities, it doesn't inherently make them prone to violence. Depression is more likely to cause self-directed harm (such as self-harm or suicide) rather than violent behavior towards others.
C. Alcohol intoxication: Alcohol is a substance that impairs judgment and reduces inhibitions. When a person is intoxicated, they may act aggressively or violently, even in situations where they wouldn't normally do so. Alcohol intoxication can lead to a loss of control, impaired decision-making, and aggressive behavior, making it a significant risk factor for violent actions.
D. Schizoid personality disorder: Schizoid personality disorder is characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships, emotional coldness, and detachment. While individuals with this disorder may prefer to be alone and avoid social interactions, they are not necessarily prone to violent behavior. Schizoid personality disorder primarily affects social functioning rather than predisposing someone to violence.
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