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) to a patient with schizophrenia. As the nurse swabs the site, the patient shouts, "Stop! I don't want to take that medicine anymore. I hate the side effects." Select the nurse's best initial action.

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