The nurse is caring for a patient with a major mental illness who is refusing to take the prescribed medication to treat the condition. The patient tells the nurse, "Taking that medication is against my religion." What is the nurse's best response?

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3. Patients, even those with mental illness, have the right to refuse medications most of the time, so it is important to respect that right. Sometimes patients who decline medications believe that the medications will alter their ability to think clearly or that the medications will take away their ability to make choices. Often, patients simply need assurance that they are not abandoning their faith by taking the medication. By attempting to gain more information regarding that patient's concern about taking the medication, the nurse may be able to address that concern and provide the patient with sufficient assurance that taking the medication will not violating the patient's religious beliefs. Providing such assurance without a better understanding of the patient's beliefs may seem insincere or lead the patient to belief the nurse is not respectful of his or her beliefs. The nurse will not tell the patient he or she needs to take it, regardless of religion or faith. The nurse will not assure the patient that his or her religious beliefs will not be compromised by taking the medication; it is this compromise which makes this decision a spiritual dilemma for the patient.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with a Major