The Patient Arrives in the Emergency Department and Is Complaining

Multiple Choice

The patient arrives in the emergency department and is complaining of severe abdominal pain and vomiting,and is severely dehydrated.The physician prescribes intravenous (IV) fluids for the dehydration and an IV antiemetic for the patient.However,the patient states that she is fearful of needles and adamantly refuses to have an IV started.The nurse explains the importance of and rationale for the prescribed treatment,but the patient continues to refuse.What should the nurse do?

A) Summon the nurse technician to hold the arm down while the IV is inserted.
B) Use a numbing medication before inserting the IV.
C) Document the patient's refusal and notify the physician.
D) Tell the patient that she will be discharged without care unless she complies.