A 67-year-old man with known mild dementia is admitted with pneumonia. He refuses intravenous antibiotics, stating he wants to go home, but appears co...

Question

A 67-year-old man with known mild dementia is admitted with pneumonia. He refuses intravenous antibiotics, stating he wants to go home, but appears confused and does not understand the consequences of refusal. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Assess his decision-making capacity and, if he lacks capacity, treat in his best interests

Answer

Accept his refusal without further assessment

Answer

Force treatment regardless of capacity without documentation

Answer

Ask the family to sign a consent form instead of the patient

Answer

Apply to the court before administering antibiotics

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Capacity and best interests

A 67-year-old man with known mild dementia is admitted with pneumonia. He refuses intravenous antibiotics, stating he wants to go home, but appears confused and does not understand the consequences of refusal. What is the most appropriate action?