How should a nurse respond when a patient refuses care after informed consent?

How should a nurse respond when a patient refuses care after informed consent?

• A. Attempt to persuade the patient by citing consequences.
• B. Ignore the refusal and proceed with the plan.
• C. Blame the patient for noncompliance.
• D. Respect autonomy, explore reasons, provide information, and document the discussion.

Answer: (D)

Respect for patient autonomy and ongoing informed consent guides this situation. When a patient declines care after having given consent, the nurse should acknowledge the decision and explore the reasons for the refusal, provide any information the patient might need about risks, benefits, and alternatives, verify that the patient understands and is making the decision willingly, and document the discussion and the patient’s choice. This approach honors the patient’s right to decline treatment, supports informed decision-making, and helps maintain trust and ethical practice. Persuading with consequences, ignoring the refusal, or blaming the patient undermine autonomy and can cause harm, so they are not appropriate.

Respect for patient autonomy and ongoing informed consent guides this situation. When a patient declines care after having given consent, the nurse should acknowledge the decision and explore the reasons for the refusal, provide any information the patient might need about risks, benefits, and alternatives, verify that the patient understands and is making the decision willingly, and document the discussion and the patient’s choice. This approach honors the patient’s right to decline treatment, supports informed decision-making, and helps maintain trust and ethical practice. Persuading with consequences, ignoring the refusal, or blaming the patient undermine autonomy and can cause harm, so they are not appropriate.