The nurse is preparing to start an intravenous catheter on an adult patient at risk for severe dehydration. The patient adamantly refuses the procedure despite thorough explanation. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

Document the patient’s refusal of treatment. The patient has a right to refuse treatment, even life-saving treatment. Therefore, the nurse documents the patient’s refusal and considers other treatment options that are more palatable to the patient. Starting the IV with the help of a colleague may be considered assault and battery. Contacting the provider for a sedative may also be considered assault and battery. Although the patient signed consent upon admission, the patient retains the right to refuse any and all treatment at any time.

The nurse is preparing to start an intravenous catheter on an adu...

Category: Management of Care
Difficulty: 5

Topics: Communication & Documentation Health Care Ethics, Law, and Policy Health Care Quality

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