The nurse working in an outpatient clinic is performing an intake assessment for a female client. Which priority question will the nurse ask the client as part of the initial assessment?

Every individual has the right to refuse medical treatment, including medications, as long as they are competent to make that decision. It is essential to respect the client's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own health care. When a client refuses medication, the nurse should document the refusal, inform the healthcare provider, and explore the reasons behind the refusal if possible.

The other options are not appropriate for the following reasons:

B- Obtaining a discharge order for nonadherence: While it is essential to address nonadherence to medication, discharging the client solely for refusing the medication may not be the best course of action. Instead, the nurse should work collaboratively with the healthcare team to address the client's concerns and explore alternative treatment options.

C- Restraining the client and giving the medication intramuscularly: Restraints should only be used as a last resort when a client presents an imminent danger to themselves or others, and it must be done in accordance with facility policies and legal regulations. Using restraints to administer medication against a client's will is a violation of their rights and is not an appropriate response to medication refusal.

D-Informing the client that refusing the medication means not getting any better: This response may be seen as coercive and manipulative. It is not ethical to use fear or guilt to persuade a client to take medication against their will. Instead, the nurse should provide information about the potential benefits and risks of the medication and address the client's concerns or fears about the treatment. Ultimately, the decision to take the medication should be left to the client after they have been fully informed about their options.

In this situation, the client's safety is of utmost importance. Expressing a desire to leave the facility and harm oneself with a gun raises serious concerns about the client's safety and the risk of harm to themselves. Initiating commitment proceedings, also known as involuntary hospitalization or psychiatric hold, allows the facility to legally detain the client temporarily for their protection and evaluation by mental health professionals. This allows for a thorough assessment of the client's mental health status and the formulation of a comprehensive treatment plan to ensure their safety.

Options A, B, and C are not appropriate in this situation:

A. Calling security to detain the client may escalate the situation and could potentially lead to increased risk of harm.

B. Contacting the client's family may not be enough to ensure the client's safety, and it is essential to involve mental health professionals in evaluating the client's risk.

C. Allowing the client to leave without addressing their expressed suicidal ideation is not safe, as the client may be at high risk for self-harm or suicide. Simply referring them to community resources without further evaluation and intervention is not sufficient to address the immediate safety concern.