Author Question: A nurse at the mental health center prepares to administer a scheduled injection of haloperidol ... (Read 98 times)

Melani1276 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A nurse at the mental health center prepares to administer a scheduled injection of haloperidol decanoate (Haldol depot) to a patient with schizophrenia.

As the nurse swabs the site, the patient shouts, Stop, stop. I don't want to take that medicine anymore because I hate the side effects. Select the nurse's first 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.

Question 2

The nurse is told that a patient with disorganized schizophrenia is being admitted to the unit. The nurse should expect the patient to demonstrate:

a. highly suspicious, delusional behavior.
b. extremes of motor activity and excitement to stupor.
c. social withdrawal and ineffective communication.
d. severe anxiety and ritualistic behavior.

LP · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Patients 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, an as advocate and educator, should seek more information about the patient's decision and should not force the medication.

Answer to Question 2

C
Patients with disorganized schizophrenia demonstrate the most regressed and socially impaired behaviors of the schizophrenias. Communication is often incoherent, with inappropriate giggling and loose associations predominating. Suspiciousness and delusions relate more to paranoid schizophrenia; dominant motor symptoms are suggestive of catatonic schizophrenia. Anxiety and ritualistic behavior are seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder.