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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Seat the client at a dining table with six or more residents:
People with Alzheimer's disease often experience sensory overload in crowded and noisy environments. Large dining tables with multiple residents can be overwhelming for someone with Alzheimer's, leading to increased confusion and discomfort. It's more beneficial to seat them in a smaller, quieter setting to reduce stress and promote a more relaxed dining experience.
B. Use symbols to assist the client in locating rooms:
Individuals with Alzheimer's disease frequently have difficulties with memory and orientation. Using symbols or visual cues can aid them in understanding and remembering locations, reducing confusion and promoting independent movement within the facility or home.
C. Provide the client with several choices for meal selection:
While offering choices is generally a good practice, individuals with Alzheimer's disease may find it challenging to process too many options. Providing limited, clear choices can help prevent decision-making difficulties and reduce frustration. Too many choices can overwhelm them, leading to indecision and potential agitation.
D. Give complete directions before starting client care:
Providing complete and lengthy directions can overwhelm individuals with Alzheimer's disease. They may have difficulty processing complex instructions due to cognitive impairment. It's more effective to give simple, step-by-step directions and provide assistance as needed. Additionally, using gentle reminders and cues can support their understanding and cooperation without overwhelming them with too much information at once.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Instruct the client to consume a low-sodium diet to decrease hand tremors:
While maintaining a stable sodium intake is important for individuals taking lithium to avoid fluctuations in lithium levels, a low-sodium diet is not specifically indicated to address hand tremors caused by lithium. Adjusting sodium levels is more about maintaining a consistent intake to stabilize lithium levels over time.
B. Teach the client to take the lithium in a single daily dose:
Lithium is often prescribed in divided doses to maintain stable blood levels throughout the day and minimize side effects. However, the dosing regimen (once or multiple times a day) is usually determined by the healthcare provider based on the individual's needs. Changing the dosing frequency is not the primary intervention for managing hand tremors.
C. Contact the provider for a possible decrease in the lithium dosage:
Hand tremors are a common side effect of lithium. If a client is experiencing bothersome side effects within the therapeutic range, the appropriate action is to contact the healthcare provider. The provider can assess the situation, possibly adjust the dosage, or explore other management options to alleviate the tremors while maintaining the therapeutic effect of the medication.
D. Encourage the client to take naproxen sodium to decrease tremors:
Encouraging the client to take naproxen sodium or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is not recommended when the client is on lithium therapy. NSAIDs can interact with lithium, potentially leading to increased lithium levels and toxicity. Combining these medications should be avoided.
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