A 91-year-old patient with end-stage renal failure is refusing to take his medications because of their side effects and lack of effectiveness. How should the nurse respond?

Explanation

•A patient has the legal right to refuse any treatment or medication. The nurse should respect the patient's decision and encourage the patient to explore his or her feelings and emotions. Offering to listen and asking to hear about their concerns strengthens the nurse-patient relationship and allows the nurse to identify barriers that may be addressed.

•Incorrect: "Don't be difficult" is incorrect because the nurse is not respecting the patient's decision and this statement may cause the patient to become defensive toward the nurse.

•Incorrect: The other options are incorrect because the patient has the right to refuse any medications.

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