What techniques do you use to treat a patient who is refusing treatment or medication?
As a nurse, you must possess critical thinking and well-developed problem-solving skills to handle these situations. It's not uncommon for a patient to refuse treatment or medication, so it's crucial to demonstrate to the interviewer that you have a strategy to overcome this. Describe how you get to the root cause, how you communicate with patients, show empathy and patience, and persuade your patients to cooperate with treatment plans.
"There can be a variety of reasons a patient may refuse treatment or medication. If this happens, I try to get to the root cause of their refusal. Perhaps they do not understand what the medication is or why it's being given or perhaps they were not well educated on the risk versus benefits. If a patient has a headache for example, and refuses Tylenol, it's their right to do so. I would document the refusal and the reason in their chart, and I would offer alternatives like perhaps an ice pack or turning the lights off to ease the pain. If a patient is refusing medication or treatment that could cause them injury or harm by doing so, I would report it to my supervisor immediately."
"I always try to "warm up" my patient before presenting a procedure like an injection or a request for them to take medication. If I sense they may be apprehensive, I will engage them in a conversation to help them relax and be more comfortable before approaching them about it. I always make sure I thoroughly explain the medication or treatment, the benefits, and risks, and answer their questions if they have any. With adults, I've found that most times, they are not compliant because they do not understand why the medication or treatment is needed, so taking the time to explain things and answer their questions is usually helpful and reduces the number of refusals. If they still refuse, it's their right, and I document and notify my supervisor of the issue so they or the physician can review for further action."
"I usually take a friendly and open approach, never going to a patient and telling them what they are going to do. By approaching them and educating them on why the doctor has ordered it, it helps them be less defensive and empowers them to take an active part in their treatment. If they refuse, I will talk to their family (if allowed by their privacy forms) and see if they can help persuade the patient. I may also come back in a little while to make another attempt to get them to cooperate. Ultimately, it's the patients right to refuse and if that happens, I document it, notify my supervisor, and make sure to note it in my report to the next shift."
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