Question

A patient with active hallucinations has refused her medication stating she doesn't like the side effects. Which of the following is the best action the nurse should take at this time?

1 Tell the patient "Since you are still experiencing symptoms of your illness, you are unable to refuse medications."
2 Discuss with the patient what side effects she's experiencing and provide tips to deal with them. Ask again if she would like to take her medications.
3 Tell the patient "side effects should reduce over the next few days, until then try not to think about them."
4 Document the refusal and notify the provider.

Answer 1

The nurse should discuss the side effects with the patient and provide support, then ask again about taking the medication. It's also essential to document the refusal and notify the provider. Neuroleptic drugs like haloperidol can impact the nervous system and cause motor side effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient with active hallucinations refuses medication due to side effects, the best action for the nurse to take is to discuss with the patient what side effects she is experiencing. This includes providing tips to deal with them, and then asking again if she would like to take her medications. This approach respects the patient's autonomy and acknowledges her concerns while also providing education and support. It is also important to document the refusal and notify the provider as part of the patient's medical record and ongoing care plan.

Neuroleptic drugs, such as haloperidol, can cause side effects that affect motor control. They can reduce initiative, interest in the environment, and emotional displays. Initially, the medication can cause drowsiness and slowness in response to stimuli, but psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking tend to diminish over days. However, side effects like changes in motor control, suggest the regions of the nervous system are likely to be the focus of medication side effects.