Final answer:
If a CNA performs care on a patient who has refused it, this could result in charges of assault or battery. The CNA must respect a patient's right to refuse treatment, which is legally and ethically required.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) performs care on a patient who has refused treatment, the CNA could indeed face serious consequences. The correct answer to this question is d) The CNA could be charged with assault or battery. When a mentally competent adult patient refuses treatment, healthcare providers, including CNAs, must respect the patient's autonomy and right to refuse care, as guaranteed under healthcare laws and ethical standards.
Acting against a patient's wishes could be considered an act of assault or battery, which are both illegal and unprofessional conduct in the medical field. Assault refers to the threat of harm, while battery involves unauthorized physical contact, which can occur when medical treatment is provided against a patient's will. Thus, disregarding a patient's choice can not only lead to disciplinary action by the CNA's employer but also result in legal ramifications, potentially including criminal charges.