home health med administration

[schaatje]

If I have an order to administer a med to my pediatric patient, but the mother says not to give it, what should I do: Give the med anyway because it is an order or call the physician to request orders to hold the medication?

[MunoRN, RN]

If they refuse then they refuse, you can't force the medication on them. You should tell the MD about the refusal, but you don't need a D/C order, the MD can't override the patient (or their decision maker's) right to refuse. If the parent refuses and you give it anyway you be risking criminal charges and/or your license. Depending on the Med and the risks involved in refusing, pursuing legal options to override the parent may be appropriate, but it's not something you or the MD can do on your own.

[RN1263]

If they refuse then they refuse, you can't force the medication on them. You should tell the MD about the refusal, but you don't need a D/C order, the MD can't override the patient (or their decision maker's) right to refuse. If the parent refuses and you give it anyway you be risking criminal charges and/or your license. Depending on the Med and the risks involved in refusing, pursuing legal options to override the parent may be appropriate, but it's not something you or the MD can do on your own.

I agree!

[caliotter3]

You chart that the med was not given per the parent's instructions and inform the doctor as necessary. If this is going to be a permanent refusal on the parent's part, definitely speak to the doctor about getting the med dc'd and a possible alternative that the parents will comply with.