An adult patient is a member of a religion that does not believe in receiving blood. The patient receives a colostomy and begins hemorrhaging. He is unable to voice his objections. You know of this patient’s strong beliefs and that he does not want to receive blood. On the admission sheet, the area for religion is blank. He has no family. The nurses and doctors want to give blood and you do not want him to die.
What are the legal and ethical implications if the patient is a minor and the parents refuse blood?
Do either Living Wills or Durable Power of Attorney apply in this case? Explain.