A Nurse at the Mental Health Center Prepares to Administer

A nurse at the mental health center prepares to administer a scheduled injection of haloperidol decanoate (Haldol depot injection) to a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. As the nurse swabs the site, the patient shouts, "Stop, stop. I don't want to take that medicine anymore. I hate the side effects." Select the nurse's first action.

A) Stop the medication administration procedure and say to the patient, "Tell me more about the side effects you've been having."
B) Proceed with the injection but explain to the patient that there are medications that may help reduce the unpleasant side effects.
C) 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."
D) Notify other staff to report to the room for a show of force, and proceed with the injection, using restraint if necessary.