A client with schizophrenia has been stabilized on long-acting haloper

QUESTION

A client with schizophrenia has been stabilized on long-acting haloperidol, an antipsychotic medication that is administered by injection every 3 weeks.

The physician switches the medication to Seroquel, a new antipsychotic oral medication that is administered twice a day. The client complains that he cannot afford the new medication and will not be able to remember to take it. The physician replies, “I can’t help that; I have to treat you the way I think is best.” The client’s nurse may experience

a. paternalism.
b. cognitive dissonance.
c. nonmaleficence.
d. moral distress.

ANSWER:

ANS: D
Moral distress results when the nurse knows what is right but is bound to do otherwise because of legal or institutional constraints. Paternalism is making decisions for clients based on what is thought best for them. Cognitive dissonance occurs when there are two conflicting values. Nonmaleficence is avoiding actions that bring harm to another person.