Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 74%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who is involuntarily admitted for major depressive disorder and refuses to take a prescribed oral antianxiety medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Offer the client the medication at the next scheduled dose time. This option respects the client's autonomy and right to refuse treatment, while also ensuring that the client receives the necessary medication. By offering the medication at the next scheduled time, the nurse can continue to monitor the client's condition and provide support without resorting to coercive measures.
Option B: Implement consequences until the client takes the medication, is incorrect as it goes against the client's right to refuse treatment and may damage the therapeutic relationship.
Option C: Inform the client that he does not have the right to refuse the medication, is incorrect as it disregards the client's autonomy and can lead to further resistance to treatment.
Option D: Administer the medication to the client via IM injection, is incorrect as it violates the client's right to make informed decisions about their treatment. This approach should only be considered in emergency situations where the client's safety is at risk.
Option B: Implement consequences until the client takes the medication, is incorrect as it goes against the client's right to refuse treatment and may damage the therapeutic relationship.
Option C: Inform the client that he does not have the right to refuse the medication, is incorrect as it disregards the client's autonomy and can lead to further resistance to treatment.
Option D: Administer the medication to the client via IM injection, is incorrect as it violates the client's right to make informed decisions about their treatment. This approach should only be considered in emergency situations where the client's safety is at risk.