A 60-year-old Jehovah’s Witness with capacity refuses a life-saving blood transfusion for gastrointestinal bleeding after you have explained the risks...

Question

A 60-year-old Jehovah’s Witness with capacity refuses a life-saving blood transfusion for gastrointestinal bleeding after you have explained the risks and benefits. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Respect his refusal and provide all other appropriate supportive care

Answer

Ignore his wishes and transfuse in his best interests

Answer

Seek a court order to override his refusal

Answer

Ask his family to consent on his behalf

Answer

Section him under the Mental Health Act to allow treatment

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Capacitous refusal of life-saving treatment

A 60-year-old Jehovah’s Witness with capacity refuses a life-saving blood transfusion for gastrointestinal bleeding after you have explained the risks and benefits. What should you do?