Question

A patient is refusing to drink fluids even though he is beginning to show signs of dehydration (concentrated urine, headache, sunken eyes, low energy). What should the CNA do?

a) Tell the patient to go home because he knows what is best for his care
b) Explain the risks of dehydration, respect his decision, and inform the nurse about his condition
c) Request an IV for the patient so that the patient can get fluids without drinking anything
d) Force him to drink water immediately, because dehydration is dangerous

Answer 1

When a patient refuses to drink fluids despite being dehydrated, a CNA should not force them to drink water immediately. Instead, they should assess the patient's understanding, provide education about hydration, and offer choices for fluids to encourage the patient to drink.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient is refusing to drink fluids despite showing signs of dehydration, it is important for the CNA to take appropriate action. However, forcing the patient to drink water immediately is not recommended. Instead, the CNA should employ other strategies to encourage the patient to drink fluids:

1. Assess the patient's understanding: Engage in a conversation with the patient to understand their reasons for refusing fluids. Address any concerns or misconceptions they may have about drinking fluids.
2. Provide education: Explain the importance of staying hydrated and the consequences of dehydration. Share information about the signs and symptoms of dehydration, and the benefits of drinking fluids.
3. Offer choices: Give the patient options for fluids they can consume, such as different types of beverages or even popsicles. Providing choices can encourage the patient to drink.

By taking these steps, the CNA can help the patient understand the importance of hydration and make a voluntary decision to drink fluids.