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?

A. "Don't worry about it. Your anxiety will lessen once the massage begins."
This response dismisses the client's concerns and may not be respectful of their boundaries. It does not acknowledge the client's discomfort and does not offer a solution to address their preference.

B. "Why don't you like to be touched by others?"
While the nurse is attempting to understand the client's feelings, this question might come across as invasive or judgmental. The client may not feel comfortable discussing their reasons for not liking to be touched, and this response does not offer an immediate solution to the issue at hand.

C. "I will request that the massage therapist wear gloves during your treatment."
This response shows an attempt to accommodate the client's preference by suggesting a practical solution, such as wearing gloves to create a physical barrier. However, it's important to note that some individuals may still find this uncomfortable, and it might not be a universally effective solution for everyone.

D. "I will tell your provider that you would like a treatment other than massage."
This response acknowledges the client's discomfort and demonstrates respect for their boundaries. It indicates the nurse's intention to advocate for the client's preferences and well-being. By informing the provider about the client's aversion to touch, the nurse opens the door to exploring alternative treatment options that are more suitable for the client's comfort level.

A. Assess the need for physical restraints:
Assessing the need for physical restraints is not the first action to take in this situation. Physical restraints should only be considered as a last resort when there is an immediate threat to the patient or others. It's essential to attempt verbal de-escalation techniques and other non-coercive interventions before considering physical restraints.

B. Discuss the purpose of the medication with the client:
Discussing the purpose of the medication is an important step, as it can help the client understand why they are being asked to take it. However, it may not be the first action to take, especially if the client is highly agitated or manic. Attempting verbal de-escalation techniques, such as calming communication and active listening, should precede discussing the medication's purpose.

C. Stop the newly licensed nurse from administering the medication:
Stopping the newly licensed nurse from administering the medication without addressing the situation directly doesn't resolve the issue. It's important to equip the nurse with appropriate communication skills to handle the situation effectively. Preventing the administration of the medication is not the primary step; it's more about helping the nurse manage the situation appropriately.

D. Demonstrate how to verbally de-escalate the situation:
This is the recommended first action. Demonstrating verbal de-escalation techniques is crucial when dealing with an agitated or manic patient. The nurse manager can model effective communication strategies to help the newly licensed nurse manage the situation without resorting to physical interventions or restraints. Effective verbal de-escalation can lead to a more peaceful resolution and, ideally, the patient's acceptance of the medication without confrontation.