Question

The nurse is caring for a client who has been repetitively pulling at IV lines and the urinary catheter. After other methods of diverting the client's behaviors fail to prevent this behavior, and chemical restraints fail, which treatment does the nurse anticipate will be ordered?

a. Application of devices that reduce the client's ability to move arms
b. Administration of an antipsychotic agent to alter the client's behavior
c. Delegating to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to sit with the client
d. Providing a sleep agent to help the client rest instead of pulling IV lines and the catheter

Answer 1

The nurse anticipates the administration of an antipsychotic agent for a client (option b) who is pulling at IV lines and a catheter after other strategies have failed. Neuroleptic drugs tend to decrease agitation, aggressive behaviors, and psychotic symptoms over time and maintain patient's ability to respond appropriately.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is caring for a client who continues to pull at IV lines and the urinary catheter despite attempts at behavioral diversion and chemical restraint. In such cases, the nurse may anticipate orders for more direct interventions to prevent harm to the patient. These interventions can include the application of devices to limit a patient's movement or constant observation. However, based on the provided reference information, the administration of an antipsychotic agent seems most likely.

Neuroleptic drugs, a class of antipsychotics, can reduce initiative, interest in the environment, and emotional displays. While they can induce drowsiness, patients remain responsive and are able to communicate appropriately. For a patient exhibiting agitated, aggressive, or impulsive behavior, these medications can be beneficial, as psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking tend to subside over time.

It should be noted that the use of devices to restrict movement should follow ethical guidelines and only be considered when necessary for patient safety and when less restrictive measures have failed. Restraints are a last resort and require careful monitoring and documentation.