Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

The correct answer is to respect the patient's wishes and explore alternative treatments. This aligns with the ethical principle of patient autonomy, which is a fundamental aspect of healthcare ethics. Even when a treatment is medically necessary, competent adult patients have the right to refuse treatment based on their personal beliefs. The nurse's role is to ensure the patient is fully informed about the consequences of their decision and to explore alternative treatments that may be acceptable to the patient. While involving the ethics committee is a good step, it is not the immediate best action. Attempting to convince the patient against their beliefs or proceeding with the transfusion without consent would be unethical and potentially illegal. Documenting the patient's refusal is important but is not the primary action in this situation.