Question

A 59-year-old Jehovah’s Witness with metastatic cancer has a valid written advance decision refusing blood transfusions even if life-threatening. He is now unconscious and bleeding from a gastric tumour. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Respect the advance decision and withhold blood transfusion

Answer

Ignore the advance decision and transfuse as life-saving

Answer

Seek consent from relatives to override his decision

Answer

Apply to the court before making any decision

Answer

Give transfusion and document later

Practice question

A 59-year-old Jehovah’s Witness with metastatic cancer has a valid written advance decision refusing blood transfusions even if life-threatening. He is now unconscious and bleeding from a gastric tumour. What should you do?