How should a nurse respond to a patient’s refusal of treatment?

When a patient refuses treatment, the ethical and legal principle of respecting patient autonomy comes into play. This principle emphasizes that patients have the right to make decisions about their own healthcare based on their values, beliefs, and preferences. Therefore, the proper response from a nurse is to respect the patient’s decision regarding treatment refusal.

Documenting the refusal in the patient's medical record is also crucial as it creates a formal record of the patient’s wishes and ensures that all healthcare team members are informed of the situation. This documentation can protect both the patient and the healthcare providers by showing that the refusal was acknowledged and that the patient was given the opportunity to make an informed choice.

Persuading the patient to accept treatment may violate their autonomy and could be seen as coercive, which is contrary to ethical nursing practice. Ignoring the refusal entirely is not appropriate, as it fails to uphold the patient’s rights and does not address the importance of informed consent. Assisting the patient in finding alternative facilities, while supportive, does not directly address the refusal of the specific treatment and may distract from the need to ensure the patient fully understands their current situation and options.