Question

question 4
1 pts
a client refuses a p.o. medication and provides the nurse with a reason for refusing the medication. what should the nurses action be?

report it to the nurse manager.
inform the client they cannot refuse a medication.
document the refusal and inform the prescriber.
administer the medication by an injectable route.

Explanation:

Analyze the clinical scenario

A client refuses an oral (p.o.) medication and provides a reason. Under the principle of patient autonomy, competent clients have the right to refuse any treatment or medication. The nurse cannot force, coerce, or change the route of administration without a prescriber's order.

Evaluate the options

• Report it to the nurse manager: This is unnecessary unless there is a systemic issue or a safety threat.
• Inform the client they cannot refuse a medication: This violates patient autonomy and the right to refuse treatment.
• Document the refusal and inform the prescriber: This is the correct standard nursing protocol. Using Medication Documentation, the nurse must record the refusal and the reason given, then notify the healthcare provider.
• Administer the medication by an injectable route: A nurse cannot change the route of administration without a new order, and forcing administration violates patient rights.

Determine the correct action

The standard clinical practice is to respect the refusal, document the event along with the client's reason, and notify the prescribing clinician.

Answer:

• Report it to the nurse manager.
• Inform the client they cannot refuse a medication.
• Document the refusal and inform the prescriber. (Correct answer)
• Administer the medication by an injectable route.