Final answer:
Type O negative blood is transfused in emergencies when there is no time to determine blood type. Medical professionals are researching artificial blood to avoid blood type incompatibility issues. The nurse should respect a patient's decision to refuse a transfusion due to religious beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the scenario where a patient requires a blood transfusion after a motor vehicle accident and there is no time to determine their blood type, type O negative blood is typically transfused. This is because type O negative blood is considered the universal donor and is least likely to cause a reaction in most patients. In urgent situations where severe bleeding threatens the patient's life and blood type cannot be quickly identified, type O negative blood can be used to stabilize the patient. Medical professionals are also researching artificial blood substitutes which can provide an oxygen-carrying function without concern for blood type compatibility.
Regarding a patient's refusal of a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs, as in the case of Jehovah's Witnesses, it is imperative that health professionals respect the patient's wishes and their right to make decisions regarding their own treatment options, even if these decisions might endanger their lives. The appropriate action for a nurse in this situation would be to report the patient's decision to the physician (option c).