A resident refuses to take their prescribed medication. What should the CNA do?

Question

Accepted Answer

Report the refusal to the nurse without forcing the resident. Residents have the right to refuse treatment, including medications. The CNA should report the refusal to the nurse, who can further assess the situation and determine next steps. Forcing medication violates autonomy rights, hiding medication is unethical and illegal, and threatening loss of privileges is coercive and inappropriate.