A 78-year-old man with pneumonia is confused and agitated. He lacks capacity to consent to urgent surgery for a perforated peptic ulcer. There is no a...

Question

A 78-year-old man with pneumonia is confused and agitated. He lacks capacity to consent to urgent surgery for a perforated peptic ulcer. There is no advance decision and no family available. According to the Mental Capacity Act and GMC guidance, what should you do?

Accepted Answer

Proceed with surgery in his best interests after multidisciplinary discussion

Answer

Delay surgery until he regains capacity

Answer

Ask a nurse to sign the consent form

Answer

Apply to the Court of Protection for all emergency decisions

Answer

Do nothing as consent cannot be obtained

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

A 78-year-old man with pneumonia is confused and agitated. He lacks capacity to consent to urgent surgery for a perforated peptic ulcer. There is no advance decision and no family available. According to the Mental Capacity Act and GMC guidance, what should you do?