Fundamentals of Nursing Q 558
A nurse is preparing a plan of care for a client who is a Jehovah’s Witness. The client has been told that surgery is necessary. The nurse considers the client’s religious preferences in developing the plan of care and documents that:
A. Giving any medication is not allowed.
B. Surgery is strictly prohibited.
C. Blood products can not be administered.
D. Alternative medicines can be advised.
Correct Answer: C. Blood products can not be administered.
Among Jehovah’s Witnesses, the administration of blood and blood products is prohibited. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that it is against God’s will to receive blood and, therefore, they refuse blood transfusions, often even if it is their own blood. The willing acceptance of blood transfusions by Jehovah’s Witnesses has in some cases led to expulsion from and ostracisation by their religious community.
Option A: Jehovah’s Witnesses accept medical and surgical treatment. They do not adhere to so-called “faith healing” and are not opposed to the practice of medicine. They are deeply religious and believe that blood transfusions are forbidden for them by such Biblical passages.
Option B: In the case of elective treatment or surgery, a medical practitioner who believes that a blood transfusion may be necessary may refuse to treat or perform surgery on a Jehovah’s Witness patient who has refused to consent to a blood transfusion being administered, provided that the practitioner is not already involved in the ongoing treatment of such patient, in which case a unilateral refusal to continue with the treatment could be viewed as a breach of contract.
Option D: Witnesses do not observe special rituals that are to be performed for the sick or those dying. Every reasonable effort should be made to provide medical assistance, comfort, and spiritual care needed by the patient. Each patient who is a Jehovah’s Witness will decide what is appropriate for him or her according to his or her circumstances and the provisions of the law.