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Can a drunk patient refuse treatment?
As with alcohol or other intoxicating substances, the mere presence of mental illness doesn't automatically preclude a patient from having the right to participate in his or her medical care.
What should you do if a patient refuses treatment?
If your patient refuses treatment or medication, your first responsibility is to make sure that he's been informed about the possible consequences of his decision in terms he can understand. If he doesn't speak or understand English well, arrange for a translator.
How do you treat a drunk patient?
How is alcohol intoxication treated?If they're unconscious, gently turn the person on their side to prevent them from choking on vomit.If they're conscious, encourage the person to lay on their side in a safe place until help arrives.If they're able to swallow, encourage the person to drink water.More items...•
What are a few examples of when a patient can refuse treatment?
1 Accordingly, the patient may refuse to be informed about their medical condition and make a decision. An example would be the statement, “I don't want to hear anything from you. I'm not going to the hospital.” They may be informed and then refuse to make a decision. “Wow, that sounds bad either way.
Do patients have the ethical right to refuse treatment?
Competent patients have a right to refuse treatment. This concept is supported not only by the ethical principle of autonomy but also by U.S. statutes, regulations and case law. Competent adults can refuse care even if the care would likely save or prolong the patient's life.
What is the right to refuse treatment called?
Under federal law, the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) guarantees the right to refuse life sustaining treatment at the end of life.
Can a hospital release a drunk patient?
To summarize, patients who show no evidence of concurrent significant illness or injury and are functionally sober can probably be safely discharged. These patients are not clinically intoxicated, and discharge is appropriate.
How do you assess a drunk patient?
The best way to assess a patient's level of intoxication is to use an objective indicator, such as a blood test or breathalyzer, because (1) some highly tolerant individuals may be intoxicated without showing any of the above signs or symptoms, or (2) some classical signs and symptoms may be caused by something other ...
When handling an intoxicated person Which of the following should you do?
How to Handle Intoxicated GuestsStay calm.Don't argue with the intoxicated guest.Don't embarrass the guest, especially in front of other people.Invite the problem guest to an area away from other guests, where you can talk.Deal with the situation in a calm, friendly way. ... Listen and empathize with your guest.More items...•
What 3 elements must a patient demonstrate in order for a refusal to be lawful?
3) In order for a patient to refuse treatment and/or transportation two events must occur to protect both the patient and yourself: 1) You must give the patient enough information about the decision Page 2 2 they are making so that there is an informed consent, and; 2) You must be satisfied that the patient has ...
Why is refusal of treatment an ethical dilemma?
In general, ethical tension exists when a physician's obligation to promote a patient's best interests competes with the physician's obligation to respect the patient's autonomy. “When you don't take your medication, you're more likely to get sick.”
Do nurses have the right to refuse a patient?
The American Nurses Association (ANA) upholds that registered nurses – based on their professional and ethical responsibilities – have the professional right to accept, reject or object in writing to any patient assignment that puts patients or themselves at serious risk for harm.