What should a CNA do if a resident refuses to take medication?

When a resident refuses to take medication, the appropriate action for a CNA is to respect the resident's wishes and inform a nurse. This response emphasizes the resident's right to make choices about their own medical treatment, including the decision to refuse medication.

Respecting the resident's autonomy is crucial in healthcare, as it acknowledges their individual preferences and rights. By informing a nurse, the CNA ensures that the resident's refusal is documented and that further evaluation or discussion can occur regarding the situation. It allows healthcare professionals to assess whether there might be underlying reasons for the refusal, such as fear, side effects, or misunderstanding about the medication's purpose.

Taking any forceful or coercive actions, as suggested in the other choices, would not only violate the resident's rights but is also unethical and counterproductive. Encouraging a resident to take medication against their will can lead to distrust and a breakdown in the nurse-resident relationship, while recording the refusal but proceeding with the medication disregards the resident's autonomy and can lead to serious consequences.