Religious restrictions and the trauma patient.

Abstract

This article discusses some of the dilemmas the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) faces when the patient refuses potential life-saving blood products or a blood transfusion. Even if the CRNA disagrees with the patient's decision, the patient's right to refuse is taken very seriously in the legal arena. Without a court order, the patient cannot be forced to receive blood or blood products. It would be easier if there were clear guidelines; unfortunately, these do not exist. In the past, courts were more likely to agree with the anesthesia provider and order the transfusion, even if the patient were competent. Today, courts are less likely to do so in these cases. However, there are circumstances in which obtaining a court order for the transfusion is more predictable, such as if the patient is a child in a true emergency situation, or if the patient is pregnant and the fetus is viable.