What is the patient’s right regarding medication administration?

Patients have the fundamental right to refuse medication as part of their autonomy in healthcare. This right is rooted in the ethical principle of informed consent, which emphasizes that patients must be fully informed about their treatment options and should have the ability to make decisions regarding their own care without coercion.

When a patient declines medication, it is critical for healthcare providers to respect this decision and ensure that the patient understands the potential consequences of refusing treatment. This right extends to all medications, regardless of the situation, and healthcare professionals are responsible for documenting the refusal and discussing alternative options or implications with the patient.

The other rights listed, while important, are not universally applicable in the same manner. For example, modifying the dosage typically requires a healthcare professional's evaluation and a prescription change. Selecting the administration route may also be determined by the healthcare provider based on clinical guidelines and the patient's specific needs. Receiving a second opinion is certainly a right but falls under a different domain of patient autonomy related to overall treatment rather than specific medication administration.