Nursing Interventions for Medication Refusals

• Refusing medical treatment is something patients have the right to do. Refusing medical treatment may be frustrating as we are trying to do our job. It was ingrained in our teaching to use treatments and procedures to achieve positive patient outcomes. 
• It is important to realize that there are many reasons a patient might be refusing medical treatment. Whatever the reason, it is important to respect one’s decisions, support them, and then find other ways to help. 
• Let’s find out what to do if a patient is refusing medical treatment. 

One of the most important duties of nursing is medication administration. Physicians prescribe medications to assist the patient in recovering from illness or to manage chronic pain or other health conditions.  

It is important to remember that although it is in the patient’s best interest to take the medications prescribed to them, they still have the right to refuse. Refusing medical treatment, specifically medication, is quite common.  

Especially with those receiving psychiatric care, memory care, or elderly care. I have outlined a few reasons why a patient may refuse medication and several nursing interventions that can be utilized to achieve positive health outcomes for the patient and facilitate a better nurse: patient relationship. 

Reasons Refusing Medical Treatment

Patients may refuse medications for a variety of reasons. Taste, color, and smell of the medication are just a few examples of why a patient may be hesitant to take a medication. Medications that are to be injected into the skin may be refused due to the pain or other negative experiences in the past with injections that make them anxious.  

Another reason for refusing medical treatment may be due to memory loss. Patients who are struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia are often confused and may not understand why they need to take medication. Lastly, a medication may be refused due to unpleasant side effects the patient experienced before.

Nursing Interventions for Refusing Medical Treatment

There are several interventions a nurse can implement to support the patient who is refusing medical treatment, specifically medication.  

Ensure you are approaching the patient with a friendly, calm demeanor is helpful when administering medications. Administering medications in a private and quiet location also makes it likely the patient will be more receptive to taking the medication.  

It is important to explain all the medications you are administering to the patient and that they have an understanding of what the medications were prescribed. If they have any additional concerns or questions be sure to address those as well. Reluctancy to answer their questions or provide additional information can cause a greater distrust in you as a nurse and are more likely to refuse.  

If the patient is in an aggravated mental state and is not receptive to taking medication, it is ok in some cases to walk away and try again later when the patient calms down. Keep in mind if the medications are time sensitive and if another attempt later is possible.  

Extra patience when administering medications to the elderly and those with memory loss or other psychiatric conditions is also helpful. Elderly patients may take longer to swallow the medicine especially if they are on several medications.  

To assist the elderly patient, it can be helpful to provide additional water or another drink unless it is contraindicated for the medications prescribed.  

If the patient is still having trouble with swallowing, you may be able to discuss switching to liquid forms of the medications with the physician. Some medicines may not be available in liquid form, but other solutions may be available.  

Medications often have several possible side effects and if the side effects are affecting the patient’s quality of life a nurse can discuss any possible alternatives or solutions to troubling medications with the patient’s physician.  

If a medication is to be administered as an injection, be sure you are using the right size needle. Using too large of a needle for a patient may cause additional pain and cause a negative experience for the patient. 

Challenges of Medication Refusal

If the patient consistently refuses medical treatment, their health may not improve or get worse, and they could develop other health conditions. Refusing medications can also affect the nurse and patient relationship due to trust being compromised.  

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, medications can improve a patient’s quality of life and assist them in managing health conditions. As a nurse, it is important we implement the nursing interventions above to support the patient who is refusing medical treatment to achieve positive health outcomes for the patient. When caring for the patient who is refusing medical treatment; a nurse’s demeanor and approach can make all the difference. 

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