A patient who is diagnosed with atrial fibrillation is to begin taking warfarin (Coumadin). The patient refuses to take the medication because "it is rat poison." After the nurse provides teaching, the patient still refuses
What action will the nurse take?
a. Hold the dose and document the patient's refusal.
b. Hold the dose, notify the provider of the situation, and document these actions.
c. Put the medication in the patient's food.
d. Tell the patient that the drug is necessary for treatment.
ANS: B
Patients have a right to refuse medications, but the provider should be notified if omitting the medication can have serious effects. According to the principle of autonomy, it is unethical to put a medication in a patient's food without their knowledge.
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