Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

What should a nurse do if a patient refuses treatment?

1. Insist that the patient complies with the treatment

2. Respect the patient's decision, ensure they understand the consequences, and document the refusal

3. Redirect the patient to another healthcare provider

4. Provide the treatment anyway to ensure the patient's health

The correct answer is: Respect the patient's decision, ensure they understand the consequences, and document the refusal

When a patient refuses treatment, it is essential for the nurse to respect the patient's autonomy and decision-making rights. The patient has the legal and ethical right to make choices about their own healthcare, including the right to refuse treatment. By respecting the patient's decision, the nurse acknowledges their autonomy and reinforces the principle of informed consent, which is critical in healthcare practice. Ensuring that the patient fully understands the implications and consequences of refusing treatment is also crucial. This involves a clear explanation of what the treatment entails, potential benefits, risks of refusal, and alternative options. This process helps to safeguard that the decision made by the patient is informed. Documentation of the refusal is also a vital component of the nursing process. Accurate documentation provides a legal record that the patient was informed, understood the information provided, and voluntarily chose to refuse the treatment. It also protects the nurse and the healthcare facility in the event of future disputes or legal concerns regarding the patient’s care. In contrast, insisting on compliance disregards the patient’s rights and could lead to ethical and legal issues. Redirecting the patient to another provider may not be appropriate if the refusal is based on the patient's personal beliefs or understanding. Providing treatment without the patient’s consent constitutes a breach of legal and ethical standards and