Massachusetts MAP Certification Practice Test

What should you do if a person refuses to take medication?

1. Insist they take it

2. Leave them alone and return in a few minutes

3. Call for help

4. Document the refusal immediately

The correct answer is: Leave them alone and return in a few minutes

When a person refuses to take medication, it is important to handle the situation with care and consideration. Leaving them alone and returning a few minutes later allows for a non-confrontational approach, giving the individual time to reconsider their decision without feeling pressured. This method respects the person’s autonomy while also providing an opportunity for further discussion when you return, helping alleviate any concerns or fears they might have about the medication. While documenting the refusal is a crucial step in ensuring accurate medical records and maintaining legal compliance, the immediate focus on respecting the individual's feelings by allowing them space is fundamentally significant. Insisting they take the medication or immediately calling for help might escalate tensions or make the person feel coerced, potentially damaging trust in the caregiver-patient relationship. Thus, the chosen approach balances respect for patient autonomy with the necessity of eventual compliance.