A woman who is a Jehovah's Witness returns for a second prenatal visit and is discussing her plan of care with the nurse. The patient has returned a signed form in which she refuses all blood products. What action by the nurse is best?

Question

A.
Advise the woman of potential complications.
B.
Inform the health-care provider of her choice.
C.
Place the signed form on the patient's chart.
D.
Refer the woman to a tertiary birthing center.

Answer 1

ANS: C
Patients who are Jehovah's Witnesses do not usually consent to the use of blood products. When working with a patient with these beliefs, the nurse should discuss all alternatives with the patient (including all types of blood products available) and send her home with a packet containing a consent form in which she details which (if any) blood products she will accept. This signed form should be available in three places: the patient should have a copy, a copy should be placed on her chart, and the hospital where she will give birth should also have a copy. Teaching potential complications related to the woman's choices should have already been done. Informing the health-care provider is important, but without a written document, this is not a complete action. Depending on patient, provider, and facility preferences, a patient who refuses blood products may need to be referred to another facility.