Under what circumstances can a nurse refuse to provide care?

A nurse can refuse to provide care if doing so would violate ethical, moral, or legal standards. This principle is rooted in the ethical and legal obligations nurses have to ensure patient safety and uphold professional standards. For instance, if a nurse encounters a situation that involves participating in an action that is against their moral values or if it conflicts with established legal regulations—such as a situation that requires a procedure they are not authorized to perform—they are justified in refusing to provide care. This safeguard protects both the nurse and the patient, ensuring that care is conducted in a manner that respects ethical guidelines and the law.

The other options present scenarios that do not legally justify a refusal to provide care. For example, refusing care simply because a patient is uncooperative does not address any ethical or legal dilemmas. Similarly, being too busy does not negate the legal and ethical responsibilities a nurse holds, and refusal based solely on a lack of expertise can be problematic; nurses are often expected to seek assistance or collaborate with others to facilitate patient care in such cases.