What should you do if a patient refuses to have blood drawn?

When a patient refuses to have blood drawn, the most appropriate action is to respect their wishes and document the refusal. This approach recognizes the patient's right to make decisions about their own healthcare and bodily autonomy. It is essential to honor their refusal, as proceeding with the draw against their consent could lead to ethical and legal issues, as well as a negative impact on the patient-provider relationship.

Documentation of the refusal serves multiple purposes: it creates a record of the patient's decision, which is important for legal and medical histories, and it ensures that all healthcare professionals involved are aware of the patient's wishes. Proper documentation can also help protect the technician from potential claims of misconduct or violation of patient rights.

In contrast, while notifying the doctor may seem like a logical step, it is not necessary in this scenario unless there are specific concerns about the patient's health that require urgent attention. Encouraging the patient to reconsider may be a part of the communication process, but it must be done sensitively and should not pressure or coerce the patient. Engaging in the draw against the patient's will is never an acceptable action in medical practice.