Final answer:
Patients have a right to refuse care from specific healthcare providers, and healthcare facilities generally try to respect a patient's preferences for the gender of their provider. The facility cannot refuse care, charge more, or force the patient to accept care from a particular provider.
Step-by-step explanation:
The patient has the right to refuse care from the male nurse. In the context of healthcare provision, patient autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle. A patient can express a preference for a healthcare provider's gender and can refuse care from any particular provider. Healthcare facilities typically strive to respect these wishes within reasonable boundaries and staffing constraints, aiming to provide a comfortable environment for the patient.
In the case of a female patient not wanting a male nurse, the facility would generally attempt to accommodate this request if possible. It should be noted that the facility cannot refuse to care for the patient on this basis, nor can the patient be charged more for receiving care from another nurse. However, if a patient's request cannot be met due to staffing limitations or in emergency situations, the patient may need to decide whether to proceed with the available care providers or to seek assistance elsewhere.