Author Question: A patient who is a Jehovah's Witness is scheduled for routine surgery and expresses concern about ... (Read 65 times)

EY67 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient who is a Jehovah's Witness is scheduled for routine surgery and expresses concern about the possibility of receiving blood products, an act condemned by the patient's religion. What is the nurse's best response?

a. You should allow the health care professionals to do whatever is needed to save your life.
b. Transfusions are not routine and now there are good alternatives to transfusions if you should lose an excessive amount of blood.
c. If you are worried about contamination, the blood supply in this country is tested thoroughly and is the safest in the world.
d. I will have the hospital chaplain come and explain to you that the Bible says there really is nothing unacceptable about a blood transfusion.

Question 2

A patient is prescribed nitroglycerin ointment. What technique does the nurse use to avoid experiencing side effects from this drug?

a. Squeezes the ointment onto the special paper
b. Cleanses the skin before applying the drug
c. Rotates the drug application skin sites
d. Wears a pair of disposable gloves

raili21 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
The patient's rights and wishes should be respected while providing accurate information for reassurance. The nurse should not attempt to persuade the patient to go against his or her cultural convictions.

Answer to Question 2

D
Common side effects of nitroglycerin ointment include hypotension and headaches. When a nurse is administering this drug, if his or her skin comes into contact with this drug as it is squeezed onto the special lined paper, these side effects may develop. Wearing gloves prevents skin contact with the drug and the risk for side effects.