What should a CNA do if a patient refuses to eat?

When a patient refuses to eat, the most appropriate action is to document the refusal and inform the nursing staff. This approach respects the patient's autonomy and decision-making rights while ensuring that the care team is aware of the situation. Documenting the refusal serves as a record that can be referred to later, which is important for ongoing assessment and care planning. Informing the nursing staff allows them to monitor the patient's nutritional status and address any underlying issues that may be influencing the patient's willingness to eat.

Forcing a patient to eat is not an ethical or acceptable practice, as it disregards their autonomy and can lead to negative psychological effects. Ignoring the refusal can lead to complications related to nutrition and overall health, as it does not address the potential reasons behind the patient's decision. Additionally, simply telling the patient they will feel weak without food is not an effective strategy—it may be perceived as coercive and does not facilitate an open dialogue about their needs or concerns.