A spouse hurriedly approaches the unit desk, visibly upset after speaking with the healthcare provider. The spouse demands that nursing staff administer an anti-anxiety medication to their partner, stating, 'They just refused any further chemotherapy, but they need it to survive! Just give them a pill so we can get them to the infusion center.' The client is awake, oriented, and possesses the legal capacity to make healthcare decisions. Which action should the practical nurse take in response to this demand?
- Explain that medication cannot be administered to facilitate a treatment the client has explicitly declined.Cevap
- BContact the provider to request a mild sedative to help ease the partner's anxiety about the treatment.
- CInform the spouse that they can sign a new consent form to override the refusal since they are married.
- DOffer to call their adult children so they can come in and help persuade the client to continue the therapy.
Cevap
The practical nurse must refuse the spouse's request and explain that medication cannot be given to force a treatment the competent client has declined.
The correct response protects the client's autonomy. Every competent adult has the legal and ethical right to refuse any medical treatment, including life-sustaining therapy. Administering an anti-anxiety medication to sedate the client and force compliance against their will is a severe violation of their rights and constitutes a chemical restraint.
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Anahtar Kavram
Client Autonomy and Right to Refuse Treatment