A middle-aged patient is very irritable and moody during medication pass. How can you decrease mood swings and ensure a smooth medication pass?

Introducing yourself with a smile when entering the room fosters a positive atmosphere and sets a collaborative tone for the interaction. This approach helps establish rapport, making the patient feel more comfortable and understood. By creating a welcoming environment, the likelihood of irritability may decrease, as the patient may feel more at ease and open during the medication pass.

Engaging with the patient in a friendly manner can also help to mitigate their mood swings by reinforcing a sense of security and respect. This initial interaction is crucial, as it can influence the patient's behavior and receptiveness to the medication process.

While discussing the patient's mood or delaying the medication pass might seem helpful, these strategies could inadvertently heighten the patient’s awareness of their irritability, potentially causing further agitation or resistance. Ignoring the behavior altogether does not address the patient's emotional state and is less likely to contribute to a positive medication pass experience. Therefore, creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere through a basic introduction is often the most effective way to enhance cooperation and reduce mood swings.