Question

The nurse working on a mental health unit is caring for a client who is becoming agitated The nurse prepareds an ordered sedative for the client but the client declines to takes it. The nurse says to the client if you dont take this orally i will give it to you by injection when the client continue refuse the medication the administers the injection the nurse could be guilty of

Answer 1

When a patient is mentally sound ,they have the rights to refuse medication because they can understand the effect of medication necessity for their disease condition when explained by the nurse if not taken or refused.

A client in mental health unit who is agitated can be anger,tensed ,could harm self and others due to his behaviour who cannot take right decision. Here it is the duty of the nurse to administer medication to calm the patient and avoid complications and consequences.

The nurse could feel guilty of disrespecting the client at this case or disrespecting the autonomy of the patient.