The patient who is receiving antipsychotic medication complains of having a dry mouth. The patient refused the morning dose of the medication. What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

1. "Why are you refusing the medicine?"
2. "I can give you benztropine (Cogentin) for your dry mouth."
3. "I will let your doctor know about your dry mouth."
4. "A dry mouth is common, but drinking more water will help."

Answer 1

4
Rationale 1: Asking the patient why he is refusing his medication is an inappropriate question, as the nurse knows the patient has been complaining of a dry mouth.
Rationale 2: Benztropine (Cogentin) is indicated for extrapyramidal side effects, not for a dry mouth.
Rationale 3: Dry mouth is a common side effect treated by nursing interventions, not physician's orders.
Rationale 4: The symptom of dry mouth is very common with antipsychotic medications. The best approach is to have the patient suck on sugarless candy, chew gum, or have frequent drinks of water.
Global Rationale: The symptom of dry mouth is very common with antipsychotic medications. The best approach is to have the patient suck on sugarless candy, chew gum, or have frequent drinks of water. Benztropine (Cogentin) is indicated for extrapyramidal side effects, not for a dry mouth. Asking the patient why he is refusing his medication is an inappropriate question, as the nurse knows the patient has been complaining of a dry mouth. Dry mouth is a common side effect treated by nursing interventions, not physician's orders.