Question

"an older client is seen in the clinic for a physical examination. laboratory studies reveal that the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are low, indicating the need for further diagnostic studies and a blood transfusion. the client is a jehovah's witness and refuses to have a blood transfusion. the nurse should take which most appropriate action?"

Answer 1

Do not administer blood. Respect the patients choice and alert anyone else who may be in your stead to take care of the patient and may have an episode where he looses blood while not in your care. If the patient is truly a witness, respect that.

Answer 2

Jehovah's witnesses strongly believe that no one should accept, ingest, or donate blood. It is important to respect one's belief and preferences. Therefore, we cannot force the older patient to undergo blood transfusion if he/she refuses to do such. Since the patient is already an adult, the nurse should counsel the patient about the danger and consequences of the refusal to the procedure. Furthermore, the adult patient should sign a waiver or release form, absolving the hospital and the nurse from all obligation following the refusal to blood transfusion.