Psych clients who refuse to take medication

[Phillygryl, LPN]

Does anyone have any strategies to get a patient who has a psych history and who is also a diabetic to take their medication. I know that according to the Patient Bill of Rights they can refuse to take their medication. Her fingersticks are ok, but when she comes in the nurses station, she is very diaphoretic!! Just curious as to what you would do? Thanks

[leeae85]

What age group is it? I work at a RTC, and if the kids there get into a tiff about their meds, I just calmly let them know that refusing medication will warrant a write up that I will be sending to their therapist, and they could possibly not transition to the next level. It's about 90% effective!

[Jules A, MSN]

Does anyone have any strategies to get a patient who has a psych history and who is also a diabetic to take their medication. I know that according to the Patient Bill of Rights they can refuse to take their medication. Her fingersticks are ok, but when she comes in the nurses station, she is very diaphoretic!! Just curious as to what you would do? Thanks

But if her diabetes is under control I would wonder if something else is going on. Has she had a A1c recently?

[inthesky]

I remember overhearing a conversation between two diabetic schizophrenic patients about how insulin damages the heart and kidneys and they must resist insulin even though the doctors and nurses keep telling them differently. >_<. at least sugars like won kill you>_

[rn/writer, RN]

Have you asked her why she doesn't want to take the meds. Sometimes a simple invitation--Tell me what you're thinking about this--can provide a lot of insight and help you decide what approach to take.

[medsurgrnco, BSN, RN]

I often am able to get psych patients to take their meds after an initial refusal - except for patients who always refuse meds. I calmly explain that the doctor wants them to take these meds, and that they can talk about their med concerns with the doctor the next day. I've also explained that taking meds will help with the voices they are hearing (that are telling them not to take the meds) or help them be able to get out of the hospital sooner (which they want).