A Patient Diagnosed with Schizophrenia Had an Exacerbation Related to Medication

Multiple Choice

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia had an exacerbation related to medication noncompliance and was hospitalized for 5 days. The patient's thoughts are now more organized, and discharge is planned. The patient's family says, "It's too soon for discharge. We will just go through all this again." Which of the following should the nurse do?

A) Ask the case manager to arrange a transfer to a long-term care facility.
B) Notify hospital security to handle the disturbance and escort the family off the unit.
C) Explain that the patient will continue to improve if the medication is taken regularly.
D) Contact the health care provider to meet with the family and explain the discharge rationale.