An intramuscular dose of antipsychotic medication needs to be administered to a patient who is becoming increasingly more aggressive and refused to leave the dayroom. The nurse should enter the day room:

Question

a. and say, "Would you like to come to your room and take some medication your health care provider prescribed for you?"
b. accompanied by 3 staff members and say, "Please come to your room so I can give you some medication that will help you regain control."
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 a male security guard and tell the patient, "Come to your room willingly so I can give you this medication, or the guard and I will take you there."

Answer 1

ANS: B
A patient gains feelings of security if he or she sees 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 the patient can act responsibly and will maintain control. Physical control measures are used only as a last resort.