How should you respond to a resident who refuses care?

• A. Respect decision; document; try again later; inform nurse; ensure safety; provide privacy and explain benefits; do not coerce.
• B. Coerce them to accept care.
• C. Ignore and leave the room.
• D. Post publicly in the room.

Answer: (C)

When a resident refuses care, the important idea is to honor their right to make decisions about their own body while keeping them safe. Start by acknowledging the choice and offering simple, nonjudgmental information about what the care involves and how not receiving it could affect them. Respect their privacy during the conversation and ensure their safety by removing immediate hazards and monitoring them.

Next, document the refusal clearly: what care was offered, the resident’s stated reason (if provided), the time, and any witnesses or staff informed. Inform the supervising nurse right away so the care plan can be reviewed and any needed safety measures or alternatives can be arranged. It’s appropriate to try again later, as feelings and decisions can change; be available to support without pressuring.

Coercion or ignoring the resident’s decision is not acceptable. Publicly posting the refusal in the room would violate privacy and trust. If there are concerns about the resident’s capacity to decide, involve the nurse to assess and determine the appropriate next steps per policy, but do not override their expressed choice without proper guidance.