A patient refuses medication. Which is the nurse's first action? ...

[arivle123]

A patient refuses medication. Which is the nurse's first action?
 
  a. Educate the patient about the importance of the medication.
  b. Discreetly hide the medication in the patient's favorite gelatin.
  c. Agree with the patient's decision and document it in the chart.
  d. Explore with the patient reasons for not wanting to take the medication.

Question 2

A patient is at risk for aspiration. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
 
  a. Give the patient a straw to control the flow of liquids.
  b. Have the patient self-administer the medication.
  c. Thin out liquids so they are easier to swallow.
  d. Turn the head toward the stronger side.

[bd5255]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The first response is to explore reasons the patient does not want the medication. After the assessment, the nurse can decide what to do next. Educating is important, but it is not the first action. Ultimately, the patient does have the right to refuse the medication; however, the nurse should first try to find out reasons for the refusal and provide education if needed based upon the assessment findings. Hiding medication and deceiving a patient into taking a medication is unethical and violates right to autonomy.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Aspiration occurs when food, fluid, or medication intended for GI administration inadvertently enters the respiratory tract. To minimize aspiration risk, allow the patient, if capable, to self-administer medication. Patients should also hold their own cup to control how quickly they take in fluid. Some patients at risk for aspiration may require thickened liquids; thinning liquids does not decrease aspiration risk. Patients at risk for aspiration should not be given straws because use of a straw decreases the control the patient has over volume intake. Turning the head toward the weaker side helps the medication move down the stronger side of the esophagus.