The nurse is speaking with a client regarding current medications. The client states she does not always take the medications as prescribed. What are the potential reasons for this client's noncompliance?

Question

(Select all that apply.) Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.

1. Patients sometimes forget doses of medications.
2. The drug may be too expensive or may not be approved by the patient's health insurance plan.
3. Adverse effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or impotence often cause noncompliance.
4. The client always takes medications as prescribed.
5. The client may not understand the reason for the medication.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3, 5

Rationale 1: Patients sometimes forget doses of medications is one reason a client may not be compliant with medication.
Rationale 2: The drug may be too expensive or may not be approved by the patient's health insurance plan is one reason a client may not be compliant with medication.
Rationale 3: Adverse effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or impotence often cause noncompliance is one reason a client may not be compliant with medication.
Rationale 4: The client always takes medications as prescribed is incorrect because clients often do not take medications as orders due to side effects, multiple daily doses, or expense of medication.
Rationale 5: When a client does not understand the reason, or importance, of the medication it can lead to noncompliance.

Global Rationale: Noncompliance may be caused by forgetting to take a medication, the expense of the drug, adverse effects, or not understanding the importance of taking the drug. Taking the medication as prescribed is not a reason for noncompliance.