During the first group, Sam says 'The medications cause too many side effects. I have been taking them for a long time.' Which nursing problem should be documented for the group progress note?

During the first group, Sam says 'The medications cause too many side effects. I have been taking them for a long time.' Which nursing problem should be documented for the group progress note?

• A. Ineffective denial.
• B. Knowledge deficit.
• C. Ineffective coping.
• D. Risk for adherence.

Answer: (D)

Understanding how to document adherence risk in schizophrenia care is being tested here. When a patient states that medications have too many side effects and that they have been taking them for a long time, it signals potential barriers to continuing the regimen. Side effects can deter ongoing use, especially after an extended period, so the nurse should flag risk for adherence. Documenting this risk helps the team plan targeted interventions — such as addressing side effects, simplifying the regimen if possible, reinforcing the benefits of staying on treatment, and coordinating with the prescriber to address the patient’s concerns. This choice fits best because it focuses on preventing a lapse in treatment due to patient-related barriers, rather than implying the patient lacks information (knowledge deficit) or has overall ineffective coping or denial.

Understanding how to document adherence risk in schizophrenia care is being tested here. When a patient states that medications have too many side effects and that they have been taking them for a long time, it signals potential barriers to continuing the regimen. Side effects can deter ongoing use, especially after an extended period, so the nurse should flag risk for adherence. Documenting this risk helps the team plan targeted interventions — such as addressing side effects, simplifying the regimen if possible, reinforcing the benefits of staying on treatment, and coordinating with the prescriber to address the patient’s concerns. This choice fits best because it focuses on preventing a lapse in treatment due to patient-related barriers, rather than implying the patient lacks information (knowledge deficit) or has overall ineffective coping or denial.