The African American patient has panic attacks, is suicidal, and is on an inpatient psychiatric unit. The psychiatrist orders sertraline (Zoloft) and clonazepam (Klonopin).
The patient refuses the drugs; he requests to have herbs and African objects in his room to remove the curse. What is the priority action by the nurse?
1. Allow the request without seeking further information from the patient.
2. Allow the request as long as the herbs and objects do not pose a safety risk for the patient or other patients.
3. Allow the request after the patient signs a release of responsibility to avoid litigation.
4. Allow the request after all members of the treatment team agree to it.
Question 2
A patient is diagnosed with cancer. The physician has recommended chemotherapy, which would likely save the patient's life. The patient tells the nurse, This is punishment from God for sins I have committed; some women at my church say so.
What will the best plan of the nurse include?
1. With the patient's permission, plan to involve a hospital minister to discuss the patient's perspective about cancer.
2. With the patient's permission, plan to bring the case before the hospital's board of ethics.
3. With the patient's permission, plan to contact the patient's minister to discuss the patient's perspective about cancer.
4. With the patient's permission, plan to meet with family members to discuss the patient's perspective about cancer.