If a resident refuses care, what is the proper action?

• A. Forcibly provide care to respect schedule.
• B. Ignore the refusal and proceed.
• C. Tell the resident you will try again later without documentation.
• D. Respect the resident’s right to refuse, explain the importance, document the refusal, and notify the nurse for guidance.

Answer: (D)

A resident’s right to refuse care must be respected, and the situation should be handled as an informed decision made with safety in mind. When a resident refuses, talk calmly, explain why the care is recommended and what could happen if it isn’t done, and check that they understand. If the resident remains firm, document the refusal clearly—include what was explained, the resident’s decision, and the date and time, following facility policy. Then notify the supervising nurse for guidance on next steps and any needed orders. Throughout, continue to monitor the resident’s safety, offer alternatives or a different time for care, and involve the nurse if there are concerns about decision-making capacity or if a surrogate decision-maker is needed. Actions like forcibly giving care, ignoring the refusal, or promising to “try again later” without documentation undermine autonomy and safety and are not appropriate.