Melanie is a 46-year-old unemployed patient who is being seen in the medical office because of a pain in her abdomen that has persisted for three weeks. The physician orders a urinalysis and several blood tests. When you begin preparing to draw her blood, Melanie says, "No! I don't want you to draw my blood. I just want to know what is causing the pain in my stomach. You don't need blood for that! I can't afford all these extra tests." You explain that the blood tests are needed to help diagnose the stomach pain, but Melanie continues to refuse to allow you to draw her blood. What should you do?
A) Inform Melanie that you must draw the blood because the physician ordered it
B) Report her refusal to your supervisor or the physician and make a note in her chart
C) Offer to draw the blood free of charge, since Melanie is unemployed
D) Assure Melanie that insurance will cover the cost of the tests
E) Ask colleagues in the office to assist you in drawing Melanie's blood

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Respecting a patient's autonomy and right to refuse treatment is a fundamental principle in healthcare. When Melanie refuses the blood draw, the appropriate response is to report her refusal to a supervisor or the physician and document it in her medical record. This ensures that her healthcare team is aware of her decision and can consider alternative approaches to her care.

Melanie Is a 46-Year-Old Unemployed Patient Who Is Being Seen