The nurse is giving morning medications to a patient who refuses to take an oral dose of docusate (Colace). What is the nurse's best response?
a. "Your prescriber ordered that you must take this drug twice a day."
b. "Docusate will soften your bowel movements so that you do not strain."
c. "This drug will help prevent constipation while you are on bed rest."
d. "Can you tell me why you do not want to take the docusate?"
D
A patient has the right to refuse to take any drug. Although it is important that the patient under-stand why the drug has been prescribed and the consequences of refusing to take it, the nurse should investigate why the patient prefers not to take a drug. For example, if a patient is having diarrhea and understands the action of docusate, refusing the drug is not only the patient's right, but is also the right action to take.
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