Question

A nurse is caring for a child who has a prescription for a blood transfusion. The child's parents have refused treatment due to their religious beliefs. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

1) Respect the parents' decision and not administer the blood transfusion
2) Consult with the healthcare team and the child's parents to find a compromise
3) Administer the blood transfusion against the parents' wishes
4) Inform the child's parents about the potential risks and benefits of the blood transfusion

Answer 1

A nurse caring for a child whose parents refuse a blood transfusion should respect the parents' decision, but also consult with the healthcare team and inform the parents about the potential risks and benefits of the blood transfusion.

Step-by-step explanation:

When faced with a situation where a child's parents have refused a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs, the nurse should take the following action:

1. Respect the parents' decision and not administer the blood transfusion.
2. Consult with the healthcare team and the child's parents to find a compromise.
3. Inform the child's parents about the potential risks and benefits of the blood transfusion.

It is important for the nurse to respect the parents' autonomy and discuss the situation with them, while still providing them with accurate information.