A Minor Requiring Blood Products

A 16-year-old male member of Jehovah’s Witnesses incurred injuries in an auto accident. The injuries required surgery. He had informed both ambulance personnel and the hospital of his wish not to receive blood transfusions. Surgery was performed without the use of blood transfusions, but his blood levels continued to fall. This case deals with guardianship and religious ethics in minors.

  • How should religious beliefs affect the patient’s treatment?
  • When the guardian’s treatment decision disagrees with the minor’s treatment decision, who’s decision should be respected? Why or Why Not?

Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)

Mother or Baby? Whose Life Should Be Saved?Cultural/Religious Healing in the Decision-Making Process