The home care nurse is reviewing the patient's prescribed medications. The patient reports he doesn't take his antihypertensive (blood pressure) medication anymore. What is the best response by the nurse?
"You could create problems for your family if you don't manage your health."
"You could possibly suffer a stroke if you don't manage your blood pressure"
"Have you had your blood pressure checked since discontinuing this medication?"
"What is the reason you are no longer taking the blood pressure medication?"
The Correct Answer is D
A) "You could create problems for your family if you don't manage your health.": While this statement highlights the potential impact on family, it may not effectively address the patient's concerns or motivations. This response could come across as judgmental rather than supportive.
B) "You could possibly suffer a stroke if you don't manage your blood pressure.": Although this response underscores the seriousness of uncontrolled hypertension, it might induce fear without encouraging a constructive dialogue about the patient's reasons for discontinuing the medication.
C) "Have you had your blood pressure checked since discontinuing this medication?": This question is relevant but does not directly address the patient's decision to stop taking the medication. It misses an opportunity to explore the underlying reasons behind the patient's choice.
D) "What is the reason you are no longer taking the blood pressure medication?": This response is the most effective because it opens a dialogue for the patient to express his feelings or concerns about the medication. Understanding the patient's perspective allows the nurse to provide better education and support tailored to the patient's needs, potentially addressing any misconceptions or side effects that may have influenced the decision.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
A. Offer the patient some crackers and see if the patient has any medications that could help relieve nausea: This approach addresses the patient's immediate concern about feeling unwell. Offering crackers can help settle the stomach, and checking for any available anti-nausea medication demonstrates attentiveness to the patient's comfort and needs.
B. Leave the medications at the patient's bedside and check on him later: While this action may seem appropriate, it does not ensure that the patient will take the medications later, and it could lead to potential safety concerns if the medications are left unattended.
C. Have the patient take the medications at this scheduled time with a small sip of water: Encouraging the patient to take their medications at the scheduled time with a small sip of water is a good practice. However, given the patient's expressed discomfort, this option may need to be reconsidered based on further assessment of their readiness to take the medications.
D. Document the patient is noncompliant in following the medication regimen: Labeling the patient as noncompliant without fully understanding their reasons could foster a negative therapeutic relationship. It's essential to explore the patient's concerns and address them appropriately before making such a judgment.
E. Lock the patient's medications up temporarily and document the incident: This action could be viewed as punitive and may not support a collaborative approach to care. It is more beneficial to engage with the patient to understand their reluctance to take the medications.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A) Only administer 40 mg: This option is not appropriate without consulting the healthcare provider. Simply administering a smaller dose without confirming the rationale behind the prescribed 120 mg could result in inadequate treatment for the patient.
B) Use at least two patient identifiers whenever administering a medication: Utilizing two patient identifiers (such as name and date of birth) is essential to ensure that the medication is administered to the correct patient. This step is a key practice in medication safety to prevent errors.
C) Read labels at least two times to make sure it is the correct medication: Carefully reading labels at least twice helps confirm that the nurse is administering the correct medication and dosage. This practice reduces the risk of errors and ensures that the right drug is given.
D) Double-check all calculations: Verifying calculations is critical, especially when dealing with high doses or unusual orders. This step ensures accuracy in the dosage administered and helps prevent medication errors that could lead to toxicity or ineffective treatment.
E) Question unusually large or small doses: It is essential to question any dosage that appears significantly outside the usual range, such as the prescribed 120 mg of Lasix, which exceeds the standard dosing guidelines. Consulting with the healthcare provider for clarification is crucial in such cases to ensure patient safety.
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