What is the Jehovah's Witnesses' policy on blood transfusions?

• A. They encourage blood transfusions in emergencies.
• B. They prohibit receiving blood or blood products, even in emergencies.
• C. They permit blood transfusions with optional consent.
• D. They require autologous transfusions.

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is understanding how Jehovah’s Witnesses view blood transfusion in medical care. They believe blood is sacred and should not be consumed or used in transfusion, based on their interpretation of religious scripture. Because of this, they refuse to receive blood or blood products, even in emergencies. In practice, this means clinicians must pursue bloodless medical strategies and alternatives to transfusion—preoperative plans to raise or conserve a patient’s own blood, use of non-blood volume expanders, careful surgical techniques to minimize blood loss, and other strategies that avoid transfusion. This stance is rooted in their religious beliefs, and respecting the patient’s choice is essential for ethical and effective care.