A patient refuses physical therapy. The nurse’s initial action is which of the f

1 -- Therapeutic communication is needed in order to find out why the patient is refusing. Common reasons are fear and pain. Then, assist the patient to meet needs related to fear or pain, answer questions the patient has, and help the patient to reach a more informed decision about therapy. Using threats to contact the physician are not appropriate or the most therapeutic. The patient’s responses and potential refusal of treatment will require documentation but are not the initial actions. The patient retains ongoing rights to decline treatment.

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