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Blood Transfusion: To give or not to give!

3K views 7 replies 7 participants last post by  um aala 
#1 ·
In USMLEWorld there's a question in which a patient that needs blood transfusion and who's an adult and who's unconscious.

His wife came and begged you to not give blood transfusion because of religious beliefs.

Their correct answer is to proceed with the blood transfusion.

I disagree with that. Because what I know is that if the patient cannot speak (unconsious) then a surrogate can talk.

If the surrogate (his wife) said he does not want blood transfusion then that's it you don't give it even if it was emergency.

I know in children it would be different. They cannot refuse an emergency treatment for their children but her husband is an adult and his wishes (through his wife) has to be respected.

What do you think about this :notsure:
 
#2 ·
Ans

ya i think the same...as per the law if the person is not in a state of taking any decision than the personnext to kin has authority to decide and if in this case if wife denies for blood transfusion ...it should be withheld...only in children if parents withhold some life or limb saving measure ...we have right to go against them and save them...
 
#3 ·
hey

ya i think the same...as per the law if the person is not in a state of taking any decision than the personnext to kin has authority to decide and if in this case if wife denies for blood transfusion ...it should be withheld...only in children if parents withhold some life or limb saving measure ...we have right to go against them and save them...
i hav a doubt...as the patient is unconscious...doctor must do anything to save his life...wife can say what he wants...but shudnt she hav a living will or some proof of his wishes...
 
#4 ·
Usmle world is always right !!...its like the bible folks....

but the rule says in Life threatening situations u must act in the best of patient's interest...if pt is unconscious or unemancipated.

though relatives can convey their wishes but only if legally given the power of attorney.
 
#7 ·
No one knows whether the wife is telling the truth or not. So, there is a new protocol in US. If u were doing old u world, there is a question about withholding the blood transfusion in adults according to the spouse's words.

But in current U world, in the explanation, the new Act is ordered and we have to give blood to unconscious adults unless they have a card stating about refusing the blood transfusion in emergency situation.
So, in updated protocol,
Children>> Give the blood if required no matter what their parents say.
Adults>> Search first about the proof stating to refuse bld transfusion in any situation for religious beliefs. If it is not available in the Emergency situation, Transfuse the Blood. Don't need to wait for an agreement from the Spouse or Next of Kin.
 
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