A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is refusing to take a prescribed medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Remind the client that they have been refusing the medication for 5 days.
inform the client that their provider will contact them to discuss their refusal of the medication
Document the client's refusal in the medication administration record.
Notify the pharmacy about the client's refusal of the medication
The Correct Answer is C
A. Remind the client that they have been refusing the medication for 5 days: Pointing out the duration of refusal may come across as confrontational and does not respect the client's right to refuse treatment. It can also damage the therapeutic relationship without addressing the underlying concerns about the medication.
B. Inform the client that their provider will contact them to discuss their refusal of the medication: While involving the provider may eventually be necessary, the immediate nursing action should be to document the refusal accurately. The nurse can then inform the provider if needed based on facility policy.
C. Document the client's refusal in the medication administration record: Clients have the legal right to refuse medication, and it is the nurse’s responsibility to document the refusal clearly and objectively. Accurate documentation ensures legal protection for the client and the healthcare team and maintains the integrity of the medical record.
D. Notify the pharmacy about the client's refusal of the medication: Notifying the pharmacy about a single medication refusal is unnecessary unless there are repeated refusals requiring a change in the medication order. The pharmacy’s role is not to manage client compliance but to dispense prescribed medications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Report the blood pressure reading to the charge nurse: While notifying the charge nurse is important, the nurse should first validate the high reading by rechecking the blood pressure. Acting on a single, unverified reading could lead to unnecessary interventions or missed opportunities for accurate assessment.
B. Administer an antihypertensive medication: Administering antihypertensive medication based solely on a report without rechecking the blood pressure could be unsafe. Verification ensures that treatment is based on accurate clinical data and prevents unnecessary medication administration.
C. Remeasure the client's blood pressure: The first action should always be to recheck an unusually high or abnormal vital sign reading to confirm its accuracy. Errors can occur during measurement, and accurate confirmation is critical before proceeding with further interventions in a client with chronic kidney failure.
D. Instruct the client to remain in bed: While keeping the client in bed can help prevent complications if severe hypertension is confirmed, it is not the priority action. Verifying the blood pressure reading must occur first to determine the appropriate course of action.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Advance directives are the same as a consent form for health care treatment": Advance directives are different from a consent form. A consent form is specific to the current treatment or procedure, while advance directives outline future healthcare wishes in the event the client becomes unable to make decisions.
B. "Advance directives are for clients who have life-threatening conditions.": While advance directives are especially important for clients with serious illnesses, they are appropriate for all adults, regardless of current health status, to ensure their wishes are known and respected if they become incapacitated.
C. "Advance directives must be approved by your lawyer.": Advance directives do not require a lawyer's approval to be valid. They usually need to be signed by the client and witnessed or notarized, depending on state laws, but legal counsel is not mandatory for completing one.
D. "Advance directives protect your right to make your own health care decisions.": Advance directives ensure that a client’s wishes regarding healthcare are known and respected even if they cannot voice them later. They preserve the client’s autonomy and legal rights concerning treatment preferences.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
