مريض بالغ واعٍ وأهل لاتخاذ القرار، الهيموجلوبين ٦٫٨، ويرفض نقل الدم لأسباب دينية بعد أن شُرحت له المخاطر. ما التصرف الصحيح؟

An alert adult with decision-making capacity has haemoglobin 6.8 g/dL and refuses a transfusion for religious reasons after the risks are explained. What is the correct action?

1. Ask the ethics committee to overrule his decision
2. Ask his family to consent to the transfusion instead
3. Transfuse because his condition is life-threatening
4. Respect his refusal, inform the provider and document it

Answer: D) Respect his refusal, inform the provider and document it. A competent adult may refuse any treatment, even life-saving, once he understands the consequences. The nurse informs the provider and documents, and alternatives such as IV iron or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents can be discussed. Transfusing against his will is battery.