The Jehovah's Witness orthopaedic trauma patient: an ethical challenge.

Members of the Jehovah's Witness faith believe that they are biblically prohibited from accepting blood transfusions even in cases of severe anemia that could lead to death. The refusal to accept blood is an ethical challenge for the health care team when managing an unstable Witness patient. The Jehovah's Witness patient has a right to refuse blood, and the health care team is obligated to abstain from providing transfusions. It is important that the health care team is proactive in becoming educated on the principles of the Jehovah's Witness faith and how to manage the patient without the administration of blood and blood products. The health care team is also encouraged to network with resources to provide support for the patient and family.