Question

A client in an acute care mental health program refuses his morning dose of an oral antipsychotic medication and believes he's being poisoned. The nurse should respond by taking which action?

1. Administering the medication by injection
2. Omitting the dose and trying again the next day
3. Crushing the medication and putting it in his food
4. Consulting with the physician about a care plan.

Answer 1

The nurse should consult with the physician about the care plan when a patient refuses antipsychotic medication due to poisoning fears. Administering medication by other means without consent or doctor's orders is inappropriate and ethically problematic.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client in an acute care mental health program refuses their morning dose of an oral antipsychotic medication and believes they're being poisoned, the nurse has several options.

However, the most appropriate response is to consult with the physician about how to proceed with the care plan. It's important to address the patient's concerns about being poisoned, as this could be a manifestation of their illness. Moreover, all other options may violate the patient's rights or the nursing code of ethics, especially without a doctor's new order or in the absence of a legal mandate for treatment.

Administering the medication by injection without consent (unless there's a clear legal basis), omitting the dose without consultation, or crushing the medication into food without the client's knowledge would all be inappropriate without further medical and ethical consideration.