Question

A nurse at the mental health center prepares to administer a scheduled injection of haloperidol decanoate (Haldol depot) to a patient with schizophrenia. As the nurse swabs the site, the patient shouts, "Stop, stop. I don't want to take that medicine anymore because I hate the side effects." Select the nurse's first action.

a. Assemble other staff for a show of force and proceed with the injection, using restraint if necessary.
b. Stop the medication administration procedure and say to the patient, "Tell me more about the side effects you've been having."
c. Proceed with the injection but explain to the patient that there are medications that will help reduce the unpleasant side effects.
d. 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

In the scenario where a schizophrenia patient objects to medication due to side effects, the nurse's first action should be to stop and discuss the patient's concerns, representing a patient-centered approach to care.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient with schizophrenia at a mental health center expresses a desire not to continue with their medication due to side effects, such as those associated with haloperidol decanoate (Haldol depot), the nurse's first action should align with best practices for patient care and medical ethics. The most appropriate response is option B: Stop the medication administration procedure and say to the patient, "Tell me more about the side effects you've been having." This approach respects the patient's autonomy, allows for an assessment of the patient's concerns, and facilitates a discussion that could lead to alternative treatments or adjustments to their medication regimen to mitigate unwanted side effects. It is crucial for the nurse to listen to the patient's concerns rather than to proceed with administration or suggest that the injection must be given because the medication has already been prepared.