A 68-year-old woman with advanced dementia and no prior written directive is admitted with severe stroke, unable to communicate. Her son and daughter ...

Question

A 68-year-old woman with advanced dementia and no prior written directive is admitted with severe stroke, unable to communicate. Her son and daughter disagree about whether she would want life-prolonging treatment. What is the most appropriate step in determining a substitute decision-maker?

Accepted Answer

Follow the legally defined hierarchy of substitute decision-makers in the relevant province and, if necessary, involve the consent and capacity board or equivalent

Answer

Follow the wishes of the eldest child

Answer

Choose the family member with the loudest voice

Answer

Ask the nurse to decide

Answer

Provide no treatment until the family reaches consensus

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Substitute decision-making

A 68-year-old woman with advanced dementia and no prior written directive is admitted with severe stroke, unable to communicate. Her son and daughter disagree about whether she would want life-prolonging treatment. What is the most appropriate step in determining a substitute decision-maker?