A 7-year-old needs a blood transfusion after trauma. The parents refuse on religious grounds and the child is deteriorating. What should the doctors do?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Give the transfusion in the child's best interests and seek legal advice
- Step 1: Parental authority is limited by the welfare of the child. Step 2. In an emergency doctors can treat in the child's best interests, and where time permits a court is asked to rule. Answer: Give the transfusion in the child's best interests and seek legal advice. Why not the others: Parents cannot refuse life-saving treatment for a child. Delay risks death. A 7-year-old is not competent to decide.
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