Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is refusing a blood transfusion for religious reasons. The client's partner wants the client to have the blood transfusion. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

a) Respect the client's wishes and inform the partner
b) Contact the hospital's legal department
c) Proceed with the blood transfusion as per the partner's request
d) Inform the healthcare provider to make the final decision

Answer 1

The nurse should respect the client's refusal of a blood transfusion for religious reasons and inform the partner, upholding the patient's autonomy and right to refuse treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate action for the nurse to take in the scenario where a client is refusing a blood transfusion for religious reasons, and the client's partner wants the client to have the blood transfusion, is to respect the client's wishes and inform the partner. The patient's autonomy and right to refuse treatment must be respected, even if their decision is contrary to the wishes of their family members or healthcare providers.

The nurse should explain the situation to the patient's partner and ensure that the partner understands the patient's rights and the reasons behind their decision. If necessary, the healthcare provider should be informed about the patient's decision, but ultimately it is the patient's informed refusal that guides the course of action.