Evolve HESI Practice Exam

What is the appropriate response by a nurse when a client expresses their refusal for a procedure?

1. Encouraging them to reconsider

2. Document the refusal and notify the healthcare provider

3. Inform the client about the benefits of the procedure

4. Forget about the client’s wishes during treatment

The correct answer is: Document the refusal and notify the healthcare provider

When a client expresses their refusal for a procedure, the most appropriate response is to document the refusal and notify the healthcare provider. This action is critical because it respects the client’s autonomy and right to make decisions regarding their own health care. By documenting the refusal, the nurse creates a legal record of the patient’s wishes, which is essential for continuity of care and compliance with legal and ethical standards. Notifying the healthcare provider ensures that the refusal is communicated within the health care team, allowing for further discussion regarding the client’s concerns and potential reconsideration of the procedure in the future. This approach fosters a collaborative environment and reinforces the importance of shared decision-making between the client and the healthcare providers. Encouraging the client to reconsider or informing them about the benefits of the procedure, while well-intentioned, may not respect the client's current wishes and could be perceived as coercive. Additionally, disregarding the client’s wishes entirely undermines their autonomy and may lead to ethical and legal repercussions for the healthcare team.