Patient refuses medications.

Patient refuses medications.

• A. Document why medications weren't given
• B. Increase the dosage
• C. Call the physician to override
• D. Ask the family

Answer: (A)

When a patient refuses medications, the important idea is to honor the patient’s right to make decisions while keeping an accurate record. The best step is to document that the medications weren’t given and note the reason the patient gave for refusing. This creates a clear record for the care team, informs future discussions, and supports safety by showing that you addressed the patient’s decision and attempted to communicate about the risks. After documenting, you can assess understanding and offer alternatives or re-offer later if appropriate. Increasing the dosage would disregard the patient’s choice and could cause harm; calling the physician to override bypasses consent; involving the family can raise confidentiality concerns and may not reflect the patient’s wishes.

When a patient refuses medications, the important idea is to honor the patient’s right to make decisions while keeping an accurate record. The best step is to document that the medications weren’t given and note the reason the patient gave for refusing. This creates a clear record for the care team, informs future discussions, and supports safety by showing that you addressed the patient’s decision and attempted to communicate about the risks. After documenting, you can assess understanding and offer alternatives or re-offer later if appropriate. Increasing the dosage would disregard the patient’s choice and could cause harm; calling the physician to override bypasses consent; involving the family can raise confidentiality concerns and may not reflect the patient’s wishes.