...this appeal is whether a doctor is liable in law for administering blood transfusions to an unconscious patient in a potentially life-threatening situation when the patient is carrying a card stating that she is a Jehovah's Witness and, as a matter of religious belief, rejects blood transfusions under any circumstances.I In the early afternoon of June 30, 1979, Mrs. Georgette Malette, then age 57, was rushed, unconscious, by ambulance to the Kirkland and District Hospital in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. She had been in an accident. The car in which she was a passenger, driven by her husband, had collided head-on with a truck. Her husband had been killed. She suffered serious injuries. On arrival at the hospital, she was attended by Dr. David L. Shulman, a family physician practising in Kirkland Lake who served two or three shifts a week in the emergency department of the hospital and who was on duty at the time. Dr. Shulman's initial examination of Mrs. Malette showed, among other things, that she had severe head and face injuries and was bleeding profusely. The doctor concluded that she was suffering from incipient shock by reason of blood loss, and ordered that she be given intravenous glucose followed immediately by Ringer's Lactate. The administration of a volume expander, such as Ringer's Lactate, is standard medical procedure in cases of this nature. If the patient does not respond with...
Words: 4158 - Pages: 17
...(All About Religion, 2002, p. 1). Christianity has evidence to back its beliefs. They feel that Jesus’ life translated in the Bible is true testament. “Jesus lived about 2,000 years ago, was a great roman teacher and does of good works, and that he was crucified on a Roman cross for the crime of blasphemy among the Jews. The only dispute is whether Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion and that He was, in fact, God incarnate”(All About Religion,2002, p. 1). Christians believe what Jesus has said to be true as Jesus was a good man and one cannot argue that point. Jesus forgives sins, heals the sick, and rose from the dead. The other religions have less reliable information written. Jehovah’s Witness believes in God, different from the Christians. Jehovah’s Witness must follow the Watchtower organization. It is an organization that sets the rules and guidelines for this religion. They do not believe that God heals people; they believe that Satan heals to deceive the person who is not in the Watchtower organization to stay under his influence. They do not pray for healing. Their God is the Jehovah God. They believe in prophecy and knowledge, as they perform door to door preaching ministry. If one does not follow the rules of the Watchtower organization, they will be kicked out of their kingdom. Their spiritual...
Words: 1711 - Pages: 7
...and should be taken into account when being treated (Friberg & Creasia, 2016). -Healthcare providers should not project their personal beliefs onto the patient. Speaking notes Understanding a patient may have specific and perhaps rigid cultural beliefs regarding their own health can be key to providing the best individual care. By understanding various culture differences, the nurse can empower the patient by allowing them to promote their own health while maintaining their cultural dignity. By performing a self- evaluation, the nurse decreases the potential to project their own belief structure onto the patient. Cultures can vary widely regarding health and illness, maintaining an open line of communication with patients is imperative. Specific nursing improvement Jehovah’s witness members believe it is a sin to receive blood and blood products. Often times this can lead to an ethical healthcare dilemma (Effa-Heap, 2013). The refusal of any medical intervention is a patient’s right. The nurse plays a key role in advocating for the patient’s cultural beliefs. The patient should be made aware of any alternatives available, such as volume expanders and depending on the patient’s cultural and religious view of albumin. The nurse who is culturally competent is in distinct position to understand the Jehovah’s witness cultural beliefs and to accept those beliefs based on the religious and cultural views of health. Conclusion Leinenger’s cultural care theory delivers the...
Words: 386 - Pages: 2
...providers should be aware of any religious beliefs that their patients may practice in order to provide competent medical care. Providing medical care should include cultural, religious and spiritual beliefs and values of the patient, in order to provide holistic care for the patient. The belief systems of Buddhism, Native Americans and Jehovah’s witnesses will be reviewed to determine similarities and differences and compared to Christian beliefs as well as the views and beliefs of the author of this paper, and provision of health care and care providers. Spiritual Perspective on Healing Even though the definitions and expressions vary most Americans consider religion and spirituality a large part of who they are. (Klilewer, 2004, p. 4) In Jehovah’s Witnesses and Native American and Christianity there is belief in God as the creator of Heaven, Earth, and the universe, where as with Buddhists this speculation is rejected. ("What do Buddhists Believe?," 2013, p. 3) Buddhists and Native Americans do not believe in prolonging life by artificial means, death should be peaceful. (Bhikshu, 2010, para. 4) For Native Americans maintaining life by artificial means is not encouraged, end of life prayers are said and family is present. ("Guidelines for Health Care Providers Interacting with American Indians," 2010, p. 4) The Jehovah’s Witness believe that reasonable humane effort should be provided to maintain life, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not accept blood products as they believe it...
Words: 1417 - Pages: 6
...traditions tend to be complex and long, and it can be difficult for the healthcare provider to incorporate them in patient care. However, it is important for the nurse or other healthcare providers to encourage patients and their families to interpret their religious practices and traditions that may be pertinent to their hospital stay, which would affect personal needs, interaction with staff, and decisions about treatment. Just a few of the very diverse religions that are being seen more in the healthcare industry are: Hinduism, Catholicism, Muslim, Judaism, and Jehovah Witness. First, I will begin by discussing Hinduism and how their beliefs relate to healthcare. Hinduism, which originated in India, is the religion of choice for most of the people of India and Nepal. According to Edward C. Dimock, Jr. (2014), Hinduism is the oldest living religion in the world with its elements stretching back for thousands of years. Unlike most religions, Hinduism has no set single founder, no single scripture, and no commonly agreed set of teachings. As described by Chaplin John Ehman (2007), people of the Hindu religion express strong beliefs on modesty. It is important for the healthcare provider to know this aspect of their culture especially if treatment includes caring for someone of the opposite sex. Hindus are also very strict vegetarians. For some patients, they will also often refuse to take prescribed medications if they are derived from an animal base. Another aspect...
Words: 1604 - Pages: 7
...Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity: First Draft Shelly Morrow Grand Canyon University Spirituality in Health Care HLT-310V August 30, 2014 Abstract BACKGROUND: To care for a patient in a holistic manner requires one to be able to adapt to the diversity of faiths encountered as well as providing spiritual support as per the patient’s faith. OBJECTIVES: This paper aims at exploring three less well-known faiths and compare the philosophy of providing health care from the perspective of those faiths. The philosophies of the Amish, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the Christian Science faiths will be compared as well as reviewing how these faiths compare to that of the other diverse Christian faiths and that of this writer’s personal beliefs. CONCLUSION/RELEVANCE TO NURSING CARE: It is found that if a health care provider is spiritually sound and open to providing that holistic care to a patient of any faith, one will find that this meets the needs of those patients with beliefs different than that of the health care provider. Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity: First Draft In order to administer the highest degree of holistic care to patients, health care providers need to have an understanding of the many different faiths and cultures encountered on a day to day basis. A survey of churches and religions has shown that there are 19 major world religions with 34,000 separate Christian groups recognized throughout the world. There are varying definitions...
Words: 1902 - Pages: 8
...In the health care world there are many factors like religion that play a role in the type of care a patient receives. In class we were given a story about how an eight year old boy died from refusing a blood transfusion because he was a Jehovah's witness. In our Clinical Ethics book we had to read a case in Delaware about how a three year old boys Christian Scientist parents refused chemotherapy for the boy. In the story about the boy, he was sick with leukemia and had a seventy percent survival rate of the next five years if he accepted the blood transfusion. Also, they boys legal guardian was his aunt who was a Jehovah's witness. This is what caused a controversy because the boys original parents said that the boy had been wrongly influenced by the aunt and should receive the transplant. To me this raises a couple of concerns; why was the boy in the custody of the aunt in the first place? Does this mean that there was already family issues beside this? Do they let the boy make such a big decision? When we were first talking about this in class my first opinion was they shouldn't let the boy make such a big decision on his own being so young and on the basis of being a Jehovah's witness. But after a woman made a comment about the boys quality of life not being well from the leukemia, that maybe he did not want to live his life being hospitalized and sick all the time made my opinion really torn about this issue. I mean if I was a eight years old and I did not have a hopeful...
Words: 606 - Pages: 3
...According to Emanuel Medical Center, Ethics in healthcare is defined as doing the right thing for the patient - providing care and treatment that deliver medical benefits, reflect what's important to the patient's well-being, and respect what the patient wants (Emanuel Medical Center, 2014). Health Care ethics is concerned with the implementation of well researched decisions while taking into cognizance the patients’ religious and cultural beliefs, and wellbeing in relation to the treatment that is rendered unto the patient. It is mandatory by healthcare professionals to abide by medical ethics principles, most especially when dealing directly with patients. Some professionals confront the ethical issues directly while others turn away (Colonel John S. Murray, PhD, RN, USAF, NC, 2014). How individuals respond to these ethical dilemmas depends on their previous experiences with unethical behavior, their individual personality traits, and their ethical values, as well as their knowledge of ethical principles (Clancy, 2003). In this modern era, there are certain ethical issues that might arise in relation to a patient’s clinical management. A prominent medical ethical issue is the refusal of a patient for treatment, such as receiving blood transfusion because of his or her belief. The most renowned international religious group of people that refuse blood transfusions is the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Jehovah witnesses believe that blood transfusion "may result in the immediate and very temporary...
Words: 1068 - Pages: 5
...these patient’s during our careers. Of the many religions there are three that sparked ones interest and they are: Judaism, Islam, and Jehovah’s Witnesses. These three faiths practice their religion in a structured manner, some a little stricter than others. There are also notable similarities among a couple of the religions as well. The Jewish community religion is referred to as Judaism (Orthodox Jew), their holy book is called the Torah and they believe that they are chosen people of God. The founder of their religion is Moses and it originated in the Middle East. As a nurse caring for an Orthodox Jew it is important to know that they pray a lot, and need to have time allotted for prayer. The typical male Orthodox Jew wears a cap on his head better known as a Yarmulke which symbolizes respect for God. Another important by law of this religion (Judaism), would have to be the strict guidelines used to prepare kosher food. Kosher food is prepared with and eaten with certain utensils, and the meat is slaughtered a certain way. Some hospitals that are in predominantly Jewish communities are aware of the dietary laws, and have allotted areas within their kitchens to store their foods. There are foods that are restricted from their diet as well such as: pork, shellfish, crustaceans, and certain birds. When caring for the Jewish patient the nurse should encourage the...
Words: 1211 - Pages: 5
...important for the professional nurse to recognize the unique spiritual beliefs and individuality of each patient and family who enters the hospital setting. Nurses have a great opportunity to facilitate their patient’s complex spiritual and religious needs in the face of crisis. Fulfilling these needs has a highly influential impact on patient outcomes and can increase the patient’s ability cope with their human circumstances. The importance of the patient’s belief system should not be underestimated, and the beliefs of the nurse should never be imposed on a patient, especially during such a vulnerable time as this. If the nurse maintains a level of respect for the patient that transcends their own ideology, they can honor and promote the dignity of the patient. This paper reviews some of the basic Christian beliefs in comparison to three other religions with respect to illness, its meaning, cause, treatment and outcome for the hospitalized patient. In commitment to providing patients with relationship-centered care, this author closes the paper with a summary of her own personal beliefs related to spirituality and health care. No individual belief should be considered right, wrong, good or bad. Instead, the professional nurse considers the spiritual assessment to be a sacred conversation that provides them with valuable details for providing excellent patient care. This aspect of the nurse’s role is worth mention for the reason just explained, as well as to lessen...
Words: 2184 - Pages: 9
...This essay is based on adult case study two a 70 year old male patient called Mr James. All names have been change in this essay in order to comply with the NMC (2008). Code professional conduct on confidential. The case study highlights a number of principle, legal issues and professional value. These will be identified and some will be discuss in details. Ethics is concerned with the study of social morality and philosophical reflection of norms and practice (Burckhardt and Nathaniel 2003). These ethical issues are those based on basic and essential to social values that include respect for life, liberty and to be cared for. There will be a demonstration of understanding the theory of deontology while recognizing the importance of ethical principles in relation on the delivery of individual patient care. Informed consent will be highlighted in detail to provide validity and factors involved. A reflection will be provided to detail the understanding of how ethical theories contribute to the ethical decision making process in clinical area. Also a brief discussion will be given to show what has been gained from producing this essay. Consent can be defined as an agreement to allow something to happen based on full disclosure of facts needed to make an intelligent decision (Hazel 2002). This includes the knowledge of risks involved, benefits and consequence of refusal. Informed consent not only requires that a person be given all relevant information required...
Words: 2222 - Pages: 9
...What you do not know about the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses? Abstract Jehovah’s Witness (JW); who are they, what do Jehovah Witnesses represent, why do JW’s not celebrate birthdays, why do JW’s refuse blood transfusions? Many questions arise surrounding the Jehovah Witness beliefs and views on life which bring many misconceptions to people whom are not affiliated to Jehovah Witnesses. This report explores the beliefs, views, misconceptions and relationship of Jehovah Witness practices which I identified during the attendance of a Jehovah’s Witness meeting (which is commonly known in Baptist religious as Sunday service) as well as thorough research around JW’s practices which was conducted before the attendance of the JW meeting. Jehovah‘s Witnesses are followers of a Christian based religious movement. The denomination was founded in the USA towards the end of the 19th century, under the leadership of Charles Taze Russell. The headquarters of the movement is in New York. There are about 6.9 million active witnesses in 235 countries, including 1 million in the USA and 130,000 in the UK (bbc.com). Members of the JW practice are probably best known for their door to door evangelical work; witnessing from house to house, offering bible literature and recruiting and converting people to the truth. Jehovah Witnesses are highly motivated people and known for proselytizing the religion to people of other religions. Although the religion is Christian based, JW’s believe traditional...
Words: 2188 - Pages: 9
...Technology vs. Morality Reflective Writing 1 Introduction to Humanities HUMN 100 May 16, 2015 Technology and morality makeup a large part of today’s modern society. At what point, should technological advances be confined by customary morality? The question seems a little complicated and the scales may be tipped in either direction. To base the advancement of a society around cultural standards may limit the development of a set people or nation. Let us venture to visualize the Amish, uncivilized tribes of the world, and Jehovah’s Witnesses and their belief in sticking to a close set of standards based upon their religious traditions. In contrast, let us view some of the innovations made by inventors like Michael Faraday, Cai Lun, and Dr. James Blundell. Technology is beneficial and detrimental to society and works as if it were a double-edged sword. Consider the Amish, they live without many of the modern conveniences of the world by choice. They chose this lifestyle because of their belief that most modern technologies are nothing more than a distraction away from their religious practices. According to author Linda Egenes’s book, Visiting with the Amish, “From an early age, the Amish learn to follow the Ordnung, a strict body of rules that govern behavior, dress, and attitude. In order to shun “the ways of the world,” the Amish reject modern technology (such as cars, telephones, television, and electricity) and dress in a way that sets them apart” ...
Words: 1586 - Pages: 7
...somewhat different, in a myriad of ways. Food is not such a priority within the Baptist religion and our values are prioritized in a different way. In this religion healthcare is respected in a way that the word from a physician is not doubted as much as the other religions. The past of medicine is not really accepted, we now consider what is the new, latest and greatest for our family members, whereas the other three religions value cultural rituals and elder’s knowledge for their own healing purposes. Introduction Within this paper, the primary topics of discussion concern themselves with three different religions, and the different ways they handle medical care and treatment. The three main religions that will be discussed include: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hinduism, and Taoism. Although each religion contains a myriad of differences, several of them subscribe to similar methods of medical treatment and care. With that being said, the differences and similarities of each religion’s methods of medical treatment will be discussed below, allowing the reader to better comprehend the complexities and...
Words: 1913 - Pages: 8
...different levels of healthcare workers. According to Epstein (2014), multidisciplinary teams are responsible for improvements in patient outcomes, improved patient and employee satisfaction, and most importantly a decrease in adverse events (AE). Case Description Peter, a 24 year-old male involved in a traffic collision has suffered internal bleeding due to liver trauma and is in need of a surgery and a blood transfusion. Past medical history includes asthma, diabetes, and a significant drinking problem that started at a very young age. It is important to note that the patient is a Jehovah’s Witness and his mother raised him without a father figure. Health Care Delivery Team The multidisciplinary team delivering care to the patient include: the paramedics that arrived at the scene of the accident, extracted the patient from the car, and transported the patient to the emergency department, the registered respiratory therapist that assisted in intubating the patient and was appointed to make sure the patient had ample respirations, the bedside registered nurse that was assigned to make sure the patient received the necessary medications, IVs, and care, the X-ray technologist who is responsible for performing diagnostic imaging examinations of the patient, the trauma physician who is responsible for performing a rapid assessment of the patient, prioritizing the most serious injuries first, and in charge of...
Words: 1445 - Pages: 6
