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 decision and inform the healthcare provider.
b) Administer the blood transfusion without the client's consent.
c) Encourage the client's partner to persuade the client to accept the transfusion.
d) Obtain a court order to override the client's refusal.

Answer 1

The nurse should respect the client's decision and inform the healthcare provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this situation, the nurse should respect the client's decision and inform the healthcare provider (option a). The nurse should not administer the blood transfusion without the client's consent (option b) or encourage the client's partner to persuade the client (option c), as it is important to respect the client's autonomy and religious beliefs.

Obtaining a court order to override the client's refusal (option d) is also not recommended, as it should only be done in rare cases when there is a substantial risk to the client's life and all other options have been exhausted.

Respecting the client's decision and involving the healthcare provider allows for further discussion, exploration of alternatives, and ensuring the client's well-being.