Client refuses medication or care — what do I do?

Clients have the right to refuse care — never force it. Respect the refusal, try again calmly later if appropriate, document it, and report it to your supervisor.

1. 1Stay calm and respectful — refusing is the client's right.
2. 2Try to understand why: pain, fear, confusion, side effects, preference? Offer choices where possible.
3. 3Never hide medication in food or force care — that violates client rights.
4. 4Document the refusal objectively: what was refused, time, what the client said or did, what you did.
5. 5Report to your supervisor the same day — repeated refusals can signal a health change and may need a care plan update.

A refusal that comes with new confusion, drowsiness, or other changes in condition is a reportable change — describe exactly what you observed to your supervisor or the client's nurse.