Question

A client refuses to take the medication prescribed because the client prefers to take self-prescribed herbal preparations. What is the initial action the nurse should take?

A) Report the behavior to the charge nurse
B) Talk with the client to find out about the preferred herbal preparation
C) Contact the client's health care provider
D) Explain the importance of the medication to the client

Answer 1

The nurse should first explain the importance of the prescribed medication to the client who prefers herbal remedies, as patient understanding is vital for effective treatment and the avoidance of potential adverse interactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a client refuses prescribed medication in favor of self-prescribed herbal preparations, the initial action the nurse should take is to explain the importance of the medication to the client. Nurses play a critical role in patient education, ensuring that the patient understands the potential benefits and risks associated with their medication regime. It is crucial for the client to know why the medication was prescribed, how it works, and the potential interactions or contraindications it might have with certain herbal supplements. Even if a medication is effective, it may not reach its full potential if not taken correctly or if it is combined with other substances that could diminish its efficacy or cause harm.

In the context of allergy testing, for example, it is often advised that patients should avoid allergy medications for a period before the test. This is because such medications can affect the results, potentially leading to false negatives. Medications may mask the symptoms that the test is designed to identify, therefore, they need to be out of the patient's system to ensure accurate test results.