Question

A nurse is preparing to administer a hydromorphone injection to a client. As the nurse begins to connect the syringe to the intravenous port, the client refuses the medication. Which action does the nurse perform next?

Discard the medication in the presence of another nurse

Dispose of the syringe in the sharps container

Flush the unused medication in the sink

Document the client's refusal of the medication in the electronic record

Answer 1

The nurse should document the client's refusal in the electronic record and discard the medication properly in the presence of another nurse.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's next action when a client refuses medication should be to document the client's refusal of the medication in the electronic record. This documentation is a critical step to ensure that there is a record of the patient's decision, and it provides legal protection for both the patient and the care provider. In light of the clinical focus scenario mentioned, it is also important for the nurse to follow proper disposal protocols. However, these protocols typically require the nurse to discard the medication in the presence of another nurse, ensuring that the disposal process is witnessed, thereby preventing potential misuse of the medication. Discarding the medication properly also prevents environmental contamination.