A nurse prepares to administer a scheduled intramuscular injection of an antipsychotic medication to an outpatient diagnosed with schizophrenia. As the nurse swabs the site, the patient shouts, "Stop! I don't want to take that medicine anymore. I hate the side effects." Select the nurse's best action.

A) Assemble other staff for a show of force and proceed with the injection, using restraint if necessary.
B) Stop the medication administration procedure and say to the patient, "Tell me more about the side effects you've been having."
C) Proceed with the injection but explain to the patient that there are medications that will help reduce the unpleasant side effects.
D) Say to the patient, "Since I've already drawn the medication in the syringe, I'm required to give it, but let's talk to the doctor about delaying next month's dose."

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Chelsea Velez · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : B, Explanation :  Patients diagnosed with mental illness retain their civil rights unless there is clear, cogent, and convincing evidence of dangerousness. The patient in this situation presents no evidence of dangerousness. The nurse, as an advocate and educator, should seek more information about the patient's decision and not force the medication.

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