Question

The nurse is caring for a member of the Jewish faith who needs to undergo a critical procedure on Saturday. The patient is refusing the procedure because it is scheduled to be done on the Sabbath. The nurse impresses on the patient the urgency of the procedure, stating that delaying the procedure would put his life at risk. The patient continues to refuse. What should the nurse do?

a. Cancel the procedure.
b. Seek permission from the patient to contact the patient's rabbi.
c. Have a family member sign the permit.
d. Have the procedure done against patient wishes.

Answer 1

In situations where a Jewish patient refuses a critical medical procedure on the Sabbath due to religious beliefs, the nurse should seek permission to consult with the patient's rabbi to find a balance between religious observance and medical necessity, respecting patient autonomy and religious convictions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The core issue at hand is the ethical dilemma faced by health-care professionals regarding religious beliefs and medical treatment. In the scenario where a Jewish patient refuses a critical procedure on the Sabbath, the most appropriate course of action, as outlined by respect for patient autonomy and religious beliefs, would be option b: Seek permission from the patient to contact the patient's rabbi. This respects the patient's rights and beliefs while also seeking a solution that might permit the lifesaving procedure. It acknowledges the potential gravity of delaying the procedure without violating the patient's religious convictions.

Performing the procedure against the patient's wishes (option d) would be a violation of patient autonomy and could have legal, ethical, and professional repercussions. Having a family member sign the permit (option c) by the patient’s autonomous decision and is not ethically justifiable unless the patient is unable to make decisions for themselves. Canceling the procedure (option a) without further efforts to find a solution disregards the duty of the nurse to provide necessary care. Therefore, the best step is to involve religious support, helping to navigate the interplay of religious observance and medical necessity.