A mentally competent patient with a terminal illness refuses to take his medications, stating, "I don't want to live like this." The nurse will

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should report the patient's decision to the physician and continue to provide appropriate compassionate care. It is the patient's right to refuse treatment, even if it may be life-saving. The nurse should respect the patient's autonomy and work with the healthcare team to ensure the patient is comfortable and has a high quality of life until the end. Asking the physician to change the medication or trying to convince the patient otherwise is not appropriate. Speaking to the family about the patient's decision also does not respect the patient's autonomy and may cause undue stress or pressure on the patient.

A Mentally Competent Patient with a Terminal Illness Refuses to Take