ATI RN Comprehensive Exit Exam Related

Review ATI RN Comprehensive Exit Exam related questions and content

How should a healthcare professional handle a patient who is refusing to take a prescribed medication?

  • A. Immediately give the medication
  • B. Assess the reasons for refusal
  • C. Document refusal
  • D. Explore alternative treatment options
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the reasons for refusal is crucial as it allows the healthcare professional to understand the patient's concerns, which can range from fear of side effects to cost issues. By identifying the underlying reasons, the healthcare professional can tailor their approach to address these specific concerns, potentially improving medication adherence. Giving the medication immediately (Choice A) without understanding the patient's reasons for refusal can lead to further non-compliance. While documenting refusal (Choice C) is important for legal and tracking purposes, it does not directly address the patient's concerns. Exploring alternative treatment options (Choice D) may be considered after understanding the reasons for refusal, but it is not the initial step in managing medication refusal.