A patient who is a Jehovah's Witness refuses life-saving blood or blood products and will probably die without them. What nursing intervention is the best?
a. Try to argue with the patient about his beliefs.
b. Separate the patient from family, visitors, or religious leaders who support the patient's beliefs.
c. Lecture the patient about the fact that these beliefs may be harmful to self and may result in death.
d. Show respect for the patient's right to his own belief system. Notify the nursing supervisor and possibly obtain an ethics committee consultation.
D
It is unprofessional and inappropriate to argue with a patient about religious or spiritual beliefs. No one will make headway with a patient by this action. Patients should not be separated from those who share common beliefs. The intervention in option "c" is considered disrespectful of the patient's beliefs and should be avoided; however, the nurse should make sure that the patient understands the possible consequences of refusing to take blood or blood products. Option "d" is the best intervention.
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