Title: Identify the reasons for a client's refusal to take medications and respond appropriately.
Course: Medication Aide (14051-36) > Section: Examining Special Issues in Medication Administration

Identification should include

- reasons for refusal

  - questions to ask when determining reasons for medication refusal

- types of refusal

  - active – client directly refuses
  - passive – less obvious and requires observation

- strategies for managing client refusal

  - rephrasing offer to administer the medication
  - following the client’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP) for actions to be taken regarding refusal

- documentation when a client refuses

  - notifying the HCP regarding the refusal
  - observing and reporting effects of medication refusal
  - documenting refusal per facility protocol.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is the difference between active and passive refusal?
- What questions should an MA ask to determine the reason for refusal?
- What is cheeking?