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Jehovahs Witness Blood Refusal — FRCA Final MCQ

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HardMedicolegal & EthicsJehovahs Witness Blood RefusalFRCA Final

A Jehovah's Witness patient requires emergency surgery for a ruptured spleen. She is conscious, competent, and has an advance decision card refusing all blood products. She is bleeding heavily. What is the correct approach?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Respect her autonomous decision, use cell salvage and blood-sparing techniques, accept the consequences

A competent adult has an absolute right to refuse treatment, including life-saving blood transfusion, based on the principle of autonomy (MCA 2005). The team should use cell salvage (often accepted by JW if in continuous circuit), antifibrinolytics, acute normovolaemic haemodilution, and meticulous surgical haemostasis. Document the discussion. Never coerce or transfuse against a competent patient's wishes.

Reference: GMC – 2024 – Consent; MCA – 2005; Association of Anaesthetists – 2023 – Jehovah's Witnesses and blood management