Question

A nurse prepares to administer a scheduled injection of haloperidol to a patient with schizophrenia. As the nurse swabs the site, the patient shouts, 'Stop! I don't want to take that medicine anymore. I hate the side effects.' Select the nurse's best action.

1) Assemble other stuff for a show of force and proceed with injection, using restrains if necessary.
2) Stop the medication administration procedure and say to the patient, 'Tell me more about the side effects you've been having.'
3) Proceed with the injection but explain to the patient that there are medications that will help reduce the unpleasant side effects.
4) Say to the patient, 'Since I've already drawn the medication in the syringe, I'm required to give it, but let's talk to the doctor about delaying next month's dose.'

Answer 1

The nurse should stop administering the haloperidol and listen to the patient's concerns about the side effects, respecting their autonomy and potentially finding a solution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's best action when a patient with schizophrenia refuses their scheduled injection of haloperidol due to side effects is to stop the medication administration procedure and actively listen to the patient's concerns. This approach respects the patient's autonomy and provides an opportunity to discuss their experience with the medication. It's a chance to address the patient's needs and fears and to potentially find solutions, such as adjusting the treatment plan in collaboration with a physician or providing supportive medications to manage side effects.

. By actively listening and showing empathy, the nurse can develop an understanding of the patient's perspective and work together to explore alternative treatment options or ways to manage the side effects. Restraints and forcing the injection should only be used as a last resort when there is an immediate threat to the patient's safety. It is also important to involve the doctor in the discussion to consider adjusting the medication plan if necessary.