when patient refuse to take the medicine?

[Jhendora]

what should the nurse do? will reinforce the medication the second time? or will you document that the patient refuse the medication... thanks! I experienced this question while reviewing and got different correct answers. so confusing.., your response is highly appreciated!

[Levitas, BSN, RN]

Depends. Did the question specify what has already been done? Does it say what type of medication it is? What are all of the choices? Can you type the question out as well?

I'd say, unless it's a court mandated medication (which in Missouri, we can forcefully medicate you if it's court mandated), then I'd say document the refusal... but that's only after you've reviewed the reasoning as to why the patient refused it.

If it's a blood pressure med, and it's a guy refusing, perhaps asking questions towards any unpleasant side effects (impotence). If it's an anti-psych med, are they having any additional issues (tremors).

The answer can vary widely depending on the context of the situation.

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

Generally speaking, the correct answer is to document that the patient refused the medication. The vast majority of the time, it is illegal to make someone take medication that they have refused.

[chrisrn24]

If the person is alert and oriented, I don't push it.

If the person has dementia and is not 100% there, I will try again a few minutes later. And repeat if necessary. If the third time isn't the charm then I count it as a refusal.

[Jhendora]

wow thanks so much to all your response!!!! really appreciated it! heres the other question i encounter.

a client refuses to take the med which of the following is a therapeutic response. im down with these 2.

1. ill come back later to see if you have changed your mind

2. you dont have to take the medication if you don't want to.

[Levitas, BSN, RN]

Can you post all of the answers, please?

Edit: Out of those two, #2 would be it for sure. The patient has the right to refuse any treatment, that includes medication. It just sounds odd the way it's answered is all. Thus why I wanted to see the other answers :)

[ssk5]

# 2 is the answer. Because (Younger adults and adults)patients have right to refuse their medicine.

Thanks,

ssk5