3 answers
adorabella
Student
Long Beach
1
Question
Updated
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What would you do if a patient refused care?
1. How did you decide to become a CNA?
3. What professional organizations do you recommend joining as CNA?
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3 answers
Dr. Angela Lewis
Quality Manager
1
Answer
Palm Springs, California
Updated
Dr. Angela’s Answer
Every patient has a right to refuse care. Every "patient" is also responsible for participating in their own care by making informed decisions. Discounting a situation where a patient is in danger of self harm, a patient can refuse care.
As a practicing Registered Nurse I am responsible for informing a patient of the potential consequences of them refusing care. An example who be a patient who refuses oxygen (although they are severely short of breath or in respiratory distress) could potentially loose consciousness or go into a life threatening situation.
As a RN I am also responsible for notifying the primary provider (MD, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant) responsible for that patient's care and documenting the patient's refusal. I hope that helps.
As a practicing Registered Nurse I am responsible for informing a patient of the potential consequences of them refusing care. An example who be a patient who refuses oxygen (although they are severely short of breath or in respiratory distress) could potentially loose consciousness or go into a life threatening situation.
As a RN I am also responsible for notifying the primary provider (MD, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant) responsible for that patient's care and documenting the patient's refusal. I hope that helps.
Thank you so much, Dr. Angela!
adorabella
Marie Oskowitz
Registered Nurse
4
Answers
Aguadilla Pueblo, Puerto Rico
Updated
Marie’s Answer
Patients have the right to refuse medical treatment. As a Registered Nurse, our responsibility is to educate the patient and ensure that they understand the pros and cons of the medical treatment, and potential consequences of treatment refusal. It is also very important to document the situation even when the patient has signed an informed refusal document.
Marie, thank you!
adorabella
William rivas
Registered Nurse
6
Answers
DeLand, Florida
Updated
William’s Answer
Patients have the right to refuse care. I would just be honest and explain the risk and benefits of their decision if your able to, or if not able to then have another care provider discuss the risk and benefits. Document their refusal to receive treatment. The best thing we can do is build a relationship with the patients and have discussions to learn their concerns. The relationship is the key.