A 45-year-old Jehovah’s Witness with a bleeding duodenal ulcer has haemoglobin 5.8 g/dL and ongoing haematemesis. He is fully conscious, understands t...

Question

A 45-year-old Jehovah’s Witness with a bleeding duodenal ulcer has haemoglobin 5.8 g/dL and ongoing haematemesis. He is fully conscious, understands the risks and repeatedly refuses blood transfusion but accepts all other treatments. What is the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Respect his refusal of transfusion, provide alternative treatments and document the discussion carefully

Answer

Administer blood transfusion in his best interests despite refusal

Answer

Seek a court order to override his wishes in all cases of life-threatening haemorrhage

Answer

Ignore his refusal because it is based on religious beliefs

Answer

Discharge him from your care for being non-compliant

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Refusal of life-saving treatment with capacity

A 45-year-old Jehovah’s Witness with a bleeding duodenal ulcer has haemoglobin 5.8 g/dL and ongoing haematemesis. He is fully conscious, understands the risks and repeatedly refuses blood transfusion but accepts all other treatments. What is the most appropriate course of action?