What should a nurse do if a patient refuses a dose of IV medication?

When a patient refuses a dose of IV medication, the appropriate nursing action is to document the refusal and notify the physician. This ensures that there is a clear record of the patient's decision in the medical record, adhering to legal and ethical standards of practice. Documenting the refusal protects both the patient and the healthcare provider by providing evidence that the patient was informed about the medication and chose not to take it.

Notifying the physician is also crucial because the doctor may need to assess the reason for the refusal, consider alternative treatments, or make decisions regarding the patient's care plan based on this new information. This collaborative communication ensures that the healthcare team can provide the best possible care while respecting the patient's autonomy.

Administering the medication against the patient's wishes would violate ethical standards of patient rights and autonomy. Waiting to try to convince the patient to take the medication does not address the need for documentation and notification of the physician. Informing the patient's family may be appropriate in certain contexts, but it is not the primary responsibility of the nurse in this situation to seek family involvement without first addressing the refusal and consulting the physician.