A nurse is caring for a client who is involuntarily admitted for major depressive disorder and refuses to take a prescribed oral antianxiety medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Implement consequences until the client takes the medication.
Inform the client that he does not have the right to refuse the medication.
Offer the client the medication at the next scheduled dose time.
Administer the medication to the client via IM injection.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Implement consequences until the client takes the medication:
Punitive measures should never be used in healthcare, especially in the context of mental health treatment. Coercion and punitive consequences can lead to mistrust and hinder the therapeutic relationship, which is crucial in mental health care.
B. Inform the client that he does not have the right to refuse the medication:
While it's important for the client to understand the potential consequences of refusing medication, it's also crucial to respect the client's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own treatment. Involuntary admission doesn't negate the individual's right to be informed and involved in their care decisions to the extent they are able.
C. Offer the client the medication at the next scheduled dose time:
Respecting the client's autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle in nursing care. The nurse should continue to offer the medication to the client at the scheduled times. It's essential to maintain open communication with the client, addressing concerns and attempting to build trust, which can sometimes lead to the client accepting the medication voluntarily.
D. Administer the medication to the client via IM injection:
Administering medication against a patient's will is ethically and legally questionable without proper authorization, especially if the patient is not an immediate danger to themselves or others. This approach should be avoided whenever possible.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Request that the client's partner sign the consent form:
While involving the client's partner might offer emotional support and facilitate communication, legal and ethical guidelines typically require the informed consent of the individual undergoing the procedure. Having a partner sign the form without the client's explicit consent would not adhere to these standards.
B. Inform the client about the risks of refusing ECT:
Educating the client about the potential risks and benefits of ECT, as well as discussing alternative treatments, is a crucial step in the informed consent process. However, merely informing the client does not replace the need for the client to provide explicit, written consent for the procedure to be performed legally and ethically.
C. Cancel the scheduled ECT procedure:
This is the correct action. Without the client's signed consent, the procedure cannot proceed. Canceling the ECT procedure respects the client's autonomy and adheres to legal and ethical standards surrounding informed consent. The healthcare team should continue to engage with the client, addressing any concerns and questions, to obtain their informed and voluntary consent before rescheduling the procedure if the client chooses to proceed.
D. Proceed with preparation for ECT based on implied consent:
Implied consent is not sufficient for significant medical procedures such as ECT. Implied consent implies agreement based on actions or behavior rather than explicit, informed agreement. For procedures like ECT, it is essential to have documented, explicit, and voluntary consent from the client before proceeding. Relying solely on implied consent would not meet the ethical and legal requirements for informed consent.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Implement measures to prevent intentional self-inflicted injury:
This choice is the priority. Individuals with borderline personality disorder are at an increased risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviors. Implementing measures to prevent intentional self-inflicted injury, such as close monitoring, removing potentially harmful objects, and creating a safe environment, is crucial to ensuring the client's safety and well-being.
B. Discuss the appropriate use of assertive behavior with the client:
Teaching assertive behavior is an important aspect of therapy for individuals with borderline personality disorder. Learning to express emotions and needs in a healthy, assertive manner can improve their interpersonal skills and relationships. However, this choice is secondary to ensuring the client's safety. Safety concerns need to be addressed before moving on to other therapeutic interventions.
C. Encourage the client to attend weekly support group meetings:
Support group meetings can provide valuable social support and a sense of belonging for individuals with borderline personality disorder. Being part of a supportive community can offer understanding and coping strategies. While this is a beneficial intervention, it is not the priority. Safety concerns and addressing self-harm risk take precedence.
D. Assist the client to maintain awareness of her thoughts and feelings:
Developing self-awareness and emotional regulation skills is essential in managing borderline personality disorder. Techniques such as mindfulness and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions. While important for long-term management, this intervention is not the priority when immediate safety concerns are present. Safety should always be the first focus of care.
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