An experienced psychiatric nurse plans to begin a new job in a community-based medication clinic. The clinic sees culturally diverse patients. Which action should the nurse take first to prepare for this position?

A) Investigate cultural differences in patients' responses to psychotropic medications.
B) Contact the clinical nurse specialist for guidelines regarding cultural competence.
C) Examine the literature on various health beliefs of members of diverse cultures.
D) Complete an online continuing education offering about psychopharmacology.

Question

Deania Cooke · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :  An experienced nurse working on a mental health inpatient unit would be familiar with the action and side effects of most commonly prescribed psychotropic medications. However, because the clinic serves a culturally diverse population, reviewing cultural differences in patients' responses to these medications is helpful and vital to patient safety. The distracters identify actions the nurse would take later.

Definitions

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Related questions