Question

A 25-year-old man is admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit. He is angry and refuses to take his prescribed medications at bedtime. He has been agitated and had several verbal altercations with other clients earlier in the evening. What is the best nursing response to this situation?

A) Administer the medications forcefully to ensure compliance.
B) Discuss with the client the importance of taking the medications.
C) Ignore the client's refusal and document it in the chart.
D) Call for restraints to control the client's behavior.

Answer 1

The best nursing response is to discuss the importance of taking the medications with the client.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best nursing response in this situation is B) Discuss with the client the importance of taking the medications.

Nursing intervention should prioritize therapeutic communication and understanding the reasons behind the client's refusal. By discussing the importance of taking the medications, the nurse can address any concerns, provide education, and collaborate with the client to find a solution. This approach respects the client's autonomy and promotes a therapeutic relationship.

Administering the medications forcefully (option A) or calling for restraints (option D) can be considered a violation of the client's rights and can lead to further aggression or resistance. Ignoring the client's refusal and documenting it (option C) does not address the underlying issue or promote treatment adherence.