What should a caregiver do if a patient refuses treatment?

When a patient refuses treatment, the appropriate course of action is to respect the patient’s decision and document it in their record. This action acknowledges the patient’s autonomy and right to make informed choices about their own healthcare. Respecting a patient’s wishes is fundamental in patient-centered care and is a cornerstone of ethical practice in healthcare.

Documentation is essential because it provides a record of the patient’s choice, which is crucial for ongoing care and for legal protection of both the patient and the caregiver. It also ensures that other healthcare providers are aware of the patient's decision if they need to refer to the medical record in the future.

The other choices involve either compromising the patient’s autonomy or taking actions that may not align with ethical standards in healthcare. Insisting on treatment may violate a patient's rights and lead to potential legal issues. Consulting with family without the patient’s consent may breach confidentiality and trust, whereas overriding a patient's wishes in an emergency is only justifiable under specific circumstances, typically when the patient is incapacitated and unable to make decisions for themselves.