Fundamentals of Nursing Q 259
While the nurse is administering medications to a client, the client states “I do not want to take that medicine today.” Which of the following responses by the nurse would be best?
A. “That’s OK, it's alright to skip your medication now and then.”
B. “I will have to call your doctor and report this.”
C. “Is there a reason why you don’t want to take your medicine?”
D. “Do you understand the consequences of refusing your prescribed treatment?”
Correct Answer: C. “Is there a reason why you don’t want to take your medicine?”
When a new problem is identified, it is important for the nurse to collect accurate assessment data. This is crucial to ensure that client needs are adequately identified in order to select the best nursing care approaches. The nurse should try to discover the reason for the refusal which may be that the client has developed untoward side effects.
Option A: It is not alright to skip medication. Be very matter-of-fact in communication style with the individual taking the medication. Do not beg, threaten, bribe, or force the individual. Do not say “I’ll get in trouble “ or “You’ll get in trouble”.
Option B: If they continue to refuse, document the missed dose and state the reason (individual refused), along with other relevant information if known (i.e. they indicated nausea). In addition, contact the physician under circumstances as agreed when medication was prescribed and/or implement any steps in the ISP for missed doses.
Option D: Find out if they understand what the medication is for. If they do not understand, remind them of the purpose and ask them again to take it. Find out if they understand the implications of not taking their medication. If they do not understand, remind them of the implications and ask them again to take it (In addition to physical symptoms, implications may include the need to call the physician and report the missed dose.)