documenting refusal of treatment in a nutshell

(my thoughts after reading "Documenting Refusal of Treatment," by Linda Smith, in Nursing, Apr 2004, pg 79)

so as I see it, if a person refuses some treatment or other, you tell 'em:

1. what's wrong with 'em
2. what you want to do about it
3. how wonderful it might be for them if they let you (give 'em a pamphlet!)
4. how terrible it might be for them if they don't

also: ask 'em: why the hell they're saying no (maybe they're nuts?)

also you gotta:

1. make sure they're not nuts

2. write it all down

3. get 'em to sign it. you sign it. hell, get the doctor to sign it
4. if the patient won't sign it,
write that down too! sign it!