Management of CareQuestion 425 of 2368

A client tells the nurse they no longer want to take a prescribed medication. Which principle guides the nurse's response?

The client has the right to accept, refuse, or terminate any treatment, including medications.
The prescriber's order overrides the client's wishes once treatment has started.
The nurse's loyalty to the employer takes priority over the client's decision.
The client may refuse only medications that are not considered high-alert.

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Correct answer: The client has the right to accept, refuse, or terminate any treatment, including medications.

The client may refuse or stop any treatment, including medications, so the nurse respects this decision.

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026