If a patient refuses already prepared medication, what should the CMA do?

When a patient refuses already prepared medication, the correct course of action is to dispose of the medication according to the facility's policy. This approach is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it respects the patient's autonomy and right to refuse medication, which is a fundamental aspect of patient care. It is essential that patients feel empowered to make decisions about their treatment. Simply insisting they take medication or giving it at a later time does not acknowledge their right to refuse and may violate their consent.

Secondly, disposing of medication in line with facility procedures ensures that safety and compliance standards are upheld. Facility policies are typically designed to manage medications responsibly and prevent any potential risks associated with re-administering or improperly storing refused medications.

Recording the refusal is also important, but it is not sufficient on its own without appropriate action regarding the disposed medication. Taking these steps ensures that the care provided aligns with best practice standards and patient rights.