What should a nursing assistant do if a resident refuses care?

When a resident refuses care, the appropriate action is to respect their wishes and inform the nurse. This response upholds the resident's rights and autonomy, which are fundamental principles in healthcare. Every individual has the right to make decisions about their own body and healthcare, including the right to refuse care.

Informing the nurse is crucial because it ensures that the healthcare team is aware of the resident's situation and can take any necessary steps to address the refusal, whether that involves discussing the situation further, exploring the reasons behind the refusal, or planning alternative care strategies that may be more acceptable to the resident. This collaborative approach encourages trust and communication between care providers and residents, which is essential for effective healthcare delivery.

Additionally, forcing care upon a resident or trying to persuade them against their will can lead to negative outcomes, including increased anxiety, a breakdown of the patient-caregiver relationship, or potential harm to the resident's physical or emotional well-being. Therefore, respecting the resident's wishes and involving the nursing team is the most appropriate and ethical response in such situations.