,Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of
Medical-Surgical Nursing
16th Edition
• Author(s)Janice L. Hinkle; Kerry H.
Cheever; Kristen J. Overbaugh; Carolyn E.
Bradley
• Print ISBN: 9781975221133
TEST BANK
,
, Question 1
Question: A registered nurse is caring for a hospitalized patient who
refuses a prescribed surgical procedure because of personal beliefs.
The surgeon asks the nurse to convince the patient to proceed. Which
action should the nurse take?
A. Explain that refusing the procedure may prolong hospitalization
and delay recovery. B. Ask the patient's family to persuade the
patient to consent. C. Support the patient's right to make an informed
decision and communicate the refusal to the healthcare team. D. Ask
the surgeon to document the refusal and discontinue further
discussion.
Correct Answer: C. Support the patient's right to make an informed
decision and communicate the refusal to the healthcare team.
Rationale: Professional nursing practice includes patient advocacy and
respect for autonomy. A competent patient has the right to accept or
refuse treatment after receiving appropriate information. The nurse
should ensure the patient's concerns are heard, facilitate
communication with the healthcare team, and support informed
decision-making without coercion.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
• A: Explaining potential consequences can be appropriate, but
using this information to pressure the patient does not respect
autonomous decision-making.
• B: Family involvement may be helpful when desired by the
patient, but asking relatives to persuade the patient risks
undermining autonomy.
Medical-Surgical Nursing
16th Edition
• Author(s)Janice L. Hinkle; Kerry H.
Cheever; Kristen J. Overbaugh; Carolyn E.
Bradley
• Print ISBN: 9781975221133
TEST BANK
,
, Question 1
Question: A registered nurse is caring for a hospitalized patient who
refuses a prescribed surgical procedure because of personal beliefs.
The surgeon asks the nurse to convince the patient to proceed. Which
action should the nurse take?
A. Explain that refusing the procedure may prolong hospitalization
and delay recovery. B. Ask the patient's family to persuade the
patient to consent. C. Support the patient's right to make an informed
decision and communicate the refusal to the healthcare team. D. Ask
the surgeon to document the refusal and discontinue further
discussion.
Correct Answer: C. Support the patient's right to make an informed
decision and communicate the refusal to the healthcare team.
Rationale: Professional nursing practice includes patient advocacy and
respect for autonomy. A competent patient has the right to accept or
refuse treatment after receiving appropriate information. The nurse
should ensure the patient's concerns are heard, facilitate
communication with the healthcare team, and support informed
decision-making without coercion.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
• A: Explaining potential consequences can be appropriate, but
using this information to pressure the patient does not respect
autonomous decision-making.
• B: Family involvement may be helpful when desired by the
patient, but asking relatives to persuade the patient risks
undermining autonomy.
