When a resident refuses a recommended treatment, the CNA should ...

When a resident refuses a recommended treatment, the CNA should ...

• A. Respect the decision and notify the nurse, document the refusal.
• B. Ignore the refusal and proceed with care.
• C. Coerce the resident to accept treatment.
• D. Discuss only with family and not the resident.

Answer: (A)

A resident’s right to make decisions about their own care means you must respect their choice to refuse a treatment and act to support that choice while keeping the care team informed. The best approach is to acknowledge the resident’s decision, immediately notify the nurse, and document the refusal in the chart. This ensures the resident’s autonomy is honored, but the decision is still reviewed by a licensed professional who can assess safety, discuss consequences, and determine next steps. Documentation should note what was refused, the resident’s stated reasons if given, and any information or alternatives discussed so the team has a clear record. Discussing only with family or attempting to override the decision would undermine the resident’s preferences and rights. Proceeding with care despite a refusal ignores autonomy and can damage trust and violate ethical and legal standards. Coercing the resident to accept treatment is also inappropriate because it violates the resident’s right to consent.

A resident’s right to make decisions about their own care means you must respect their choice to refuse a treatment and act to support that choice while keeping the care team informed. The best approach is to acknowledge the resident’s decision, immediately notify the nurse, and document the refusal in the chart. This ensures the resident’s autonomy is honored, but the decision is still reviewed by a licensed professional who can assess safety, discuss consequences, and determine next steps. Documentation should note what was refused, the resident’s stated reasons if given, and any information or alternatives discussed so the team has a clear record.

Discussing only with family or attempting to override the decision would undermine the resident’s preferences and rights. Proceeding with care despite a refusal ignores autonomy and can damage trust and violate ethical and legal standards. Coercing the resident to accept treatment is also inappropriate because it violates the resident’s right to consent.