Question

scenario: a patient with bipolar disorder is stable on medication but wishes to stop due to stigma. how should the pmhnp address this? educate the patient on the risks of stopping medication and explore ways to manage stigma support the patients decision without question refuse to see the patient if they stop medication prescribe a different medication to reduce stigma

Explanation:

In psychiatric nursing, when a patient with bipolar disorder (stable on meds) wants to stop due to stigma, the PMHNP should prioritize patient education about the risks of discontinuing medication (which can lead to relapse, mood episodes, etc.) and also explore strategies to manage the stigma the patient is experiencing. Supporting without question ignores the medical risks, refusing care is unethical, and prescribing a different med doesn't address stigma directly or the risk of stopping.

Answer:

A. Educate the patient on the risks of stopping medication and explore ways to manage stigma