How should you respond when a patient refuses a recommended treatment?

• A. Ignore the refusal
• B. Try to coerce the patient to accept treatment
• C. Keep the recommended treatment as the only option
• D. Respect the refusal, explain consequences, document, and consult the provider as needed

Answer: (D)

Respecting a patient’s autonomy and ensuring informed decision-making is essential when a treatment is refused. The appropriate response is to acknowledge the decision and provide clear, unbiased information about the potential consequences of declining the treatment. Make sure the patient understands what refusing could mean for their health, answer questions, and assess that they have the capacity to make this choice. Then document the refusal in the medical record, note what was offered and explained, and inform the care team. If needed, involve the provider to discuss alternatives or adjust the plan, and follow facility procedures if the patient’s decision-making capacity is in question, including engaging a legally authorized representative when appropriate.

Coercing the patient, ignoring the refusal, or insisting that the treatment be the only option violates patient autonomy and informed consent, and can erode trust and safety in care.