An intramuscular dose of antipsychotic medication needs to be administered to a patient who is becoming increasingly more aggressive. The patient is in the day room where there are other patients. The nurse should enter the day room:
A) and say, "Would you like to come to your room and take some medication your doctor prescribed for you?"
B) accompanied by three staff members and say, "Please come to your room so I can give you some medication that will help you feel more comfortable."
C) and place the patient in a basket-hold and then say, "I am going to take you to your room to give you an injection of medication to calm you."
D) accompanied by two security guards and tell the patient, "You can come to your room willingly so I can give you this medication or the security guards will take you there."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A patient gains feelings of security if he or she sees that others are present to help with control. The nurse gives a simple direction, honestly states what is going to happen, and reassures the patient that the intervention will be helpful. This positive approach assumes that the patient can act responsibly and will maintain control. Physical control measures should be used only as a last resort. The security guards are likely to intimidate the patient and increase feelings of vulnerability.

An Intramuscular Dose of Antipsychotic Medication Needs to Be Administered