In the healthcare industry, patients with certain religious beliefs often find themselves caught in a dilemma when they try to balance their faith with their health concerns. Recently, I encountered a patient who faced an ethical dilemma related to their religion. The patient was a Jehovah’s Witness, and their faith prohibits them from receiving blood transfusions. This belief stems from a scriptural passage that forbids the consumption of blood. The patient had severely low hemoglobin levels and required a severe surgical operation to fix their medical problem. However, the patient refused the transfusion due to their beliefs.
As a nurse, I respect patients’ wishes but struggle with allowing them to suffer. Blood transfusion is a standard procedure that can save a patient’s life. Still, I realized that for some patients, receiving blood transfusions can be a difficult decision due to their religious beliefs. In such cases, medical professionals must respect patients’ autonomy and religious beliefs while considering their health and well-being.
In conclusion, medical professionals must understand and respect their patients’ religious beliefs while providing the best healthcare treatment. Maintaining open communication with patients and their families is essential to ensure that their religious beliefs are considered while providing medical care.
Evans, Keith.2022). Practicing Dignity: An Introduction Values and Decision Making: Intervention, Ethical Decision Making, and Spiritual Care. Grand Canyon University