Never restrain or treat a competent patient who has refused, except in a true emergency.
Before you read
Test yourself first: 4 questions
Question 1 of 4
An older adult is being discharged with several new medications. Which strategy best supports medication adherence and safety at home?
Answer: B. Reconciling the full medication list, simplifying the regimen when possible, and providing a written schedule with teach-back support adherence and reduce errors in older adults. Telling the patient to figure it out, stopping all prior medications without review, or relying only on verbal instructions increases risk.
Question 2 of 4
A visitor asks the nurse about a neighbor who is a patient on the unit. The nurse should:
Answer: B. Protected health information may not be shared without authorization (HIPAA). Neither confirm nor deny the client's presence to an unauthorized person.
Question 3 of 4
A nurse is triaging several pediatric patients with respiratory complaints. Which child should the nurse assess first?
Answer: B. A child with epiglottitis who is drooling, sitting in a tripod position, and has stridor has an unstable airway at risk of complete obstruction and must be assessed and managed first. The others are stable or have lower-acuity findings.
Question 4 of 4
Which is the BEST example of client advocacy?
Answer: B. Advocacy means supporting the client's rights and wishes — e.g., ensuring a client's pain is adequately treated by communicating with the provider when current orders are insufficient.
Keep the streak going with more questions like these, each with a full rationale.
What is patient bill of rights?
It supports patient autonomy and informed participation in care. Nurses act as patient advocates to uphold these rights.
Key points to remember
- Patients have the right to considerate, respectful care free from discrimination.
- Patients have the right to receive understandable information about their diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
- Patients have the right to participate in care decisions and to refuse treatment, even against medical advice.
- Patients have the right to privacy, confidentiality, and access to their medical record.
- Patients have the right to be free from restraints used for staff convenience or as punishment.
- Patients have the right to know the names and roles of those providing their care and to voice grievances.
Nursing priorities
- Advocate for the patient's expressed wishes and ensure they have information needed to decide.
- Provide privacy during care, exams, and sensitive conversations.
- Support a competent patient's right to refuse treatment and document the refusal.
- Use interpreters and plain language so the patient genuinely understands their rights.
- Address grievances promptly and escalate unresolved concerns through the chain of command.
Patient teaching
- You have the right to ask questions and to refuse any treatment.
- You can request a copy of your rights and report concerns to the patient advocate.
- Tell us if you do not understand something; we will explain it in a way that makes sense.
Red flags: report now
- Never restrain or treat a competent patient who has refused, except in a true emergency.
- Report immediately any care delivered against a competent patient's expressed wishes.
- Do not withhold information a patient is entitled to about their own condition.
References
Clinical references for this topic
