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Discussion

Medication refusal

I new nurse (LPN), and I have a pt that refused to wake up and take his meds!!! I at least like him to look conscience when I give him the meds, and needless to say he doesn't... And I have to check his FSBS... Which he barely moves for. So I have done the FSBS first then tried to wake him, but still nothing... I'm giving the pt Prilosec and megace (appetite stimulator). Any suggestions!! So my question is at what point should it be a refusal? I don't want the man to choke.

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    • Featured Replies

    What time are you trying to wake him up? Those meds only need to be given 30 minutes before breakfast.

    Over the years I've seen some truly weird times to give meds. Can you have the time changed?

    It's like giving Immovane at 2300 when the patient is asleep or Zantac at 06 and breakfast is 0830

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    • Experts

    Well yeah, if he's not alert enough you can't give him any meds.Is this normal for this patient? What is their medical condition? It's not really a refusal but it sounds like he may be unable to take his meds.Can you give it to him when he is awake?

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    • Author

    Hi yea it's the normal condition of the pt. yes it's given w/I compliance. I try to make him last on my round.... But!!! I do the best I can.. It's just how long should I try to arouse the pt?

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    • Experts

    Ummmm I think you mean "rouse" the patient. Arouse means something a little different.lol

    Is the patient like this all the time or just early in the morning. Maybe they need to change his med times.

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    • Author
    Ummmm I think you mean "rouse" the patient. Arouse means something a little different.lol Is the patient like this all the time or just early in the morning. Maybe they need to change his med times.

    Yes very true... Rouse the pt !!!! Lol

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    • Experts
    Ummmm I think you mean "rouse" the patient. Arouse means something a little different.lol

    Actually, either ("rouse" or "arouse") is correct usage. :)

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    Is the patient like this all the time or just early in the morning. Maybe they need to change his med times.

    Thats my question too.

    Difficult to awaken, appetite stimulant...is he depressed? Mornings are worse for depressed patients, so they may be more amenable to a late BF & meds.

    In any event, the patients natural circadian rhythms may not be inline with hospital convenience.

    What happens if offered later in the day?

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    Actually, either ("rouse" or "arouse") is correct usage. :)

    Not up here in the great white north. We had the difference beaten into us in nursing school.

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    • Experts
    Not up here in the great white north. We had the difference beaten into us in nursing school.

    And what is the difference? :)

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    Arouse, commonly used pertaining to readiness for sexual activity.

    And what is the difference? :)
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    Why not adjust the time he gets his meds?

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    refusal has such a negative ring

    my rule of thumb is offer it three times

    then document pt. did not accept meds

    as others have said, the bigger picture needs

    to be addressed

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