The current five ‘R’s fail to consider the
intricacies associated with administering
medications in more complex settings; for
example, when a patient refuses to take a
prescribed medication. The patient may
have a difficulty in taking the medicine
(such as trouble with swallowing) or
they may not perceive the need for the
medication. A sixth right is implied: the
right of the patient to refuse a drug.
The right to refuse can also
incorporate the right of a nurse to refuse