achelle06

As I said, I know that she can refuse to take the medication. My question is can she refuse them to be crushed, but still receive the medication? She is not mentally ill and is competent. She is suspected to be cheeking the narcotic pills because of past drug abuse. One nurse claims she seen her cheeking her pain medication, but the patient denies this. I have been giving her the medication whole and marking "refused" on the mar beside of the order "Crush meds and give with applesauce." I just want to know if that's ok. She has no problem swallowing, and is alert and oriented.

Thank you all for your replies. The patient is competent to make decisions. I understand that she can refuse her medication, but the order states to crush all meds. Patients can refuse any aspect of their care so in my opinion, it seems like she could still refuse that. Am I wrong in my thinking?

I work at a long term care facility, and one of our younger residents is suspected of "cheeking" her meds. The dr wrote an order to crush meds and give with applesauce. My question is does she have the right to refuse for them to be crushed?