Question

A 79-year-old woman with advanced Alzheimer''s disease is admitted with a fractured neck of femur after a fall. She is disorientated and unable to understand the nature, purpose or risks of surgery. There is no lasting power of attorney or advance decision. What is the most appropriate basis on which to decide whether to proceed with surgery?

Accepted Answer

Best interests decision under the Mental Capacity Act

Answer

Next of kin''s verbal consent

Answer

Implied consent because the treatment is in her medical interests

Answer

Decision by the hospital manager based on resource allocation

Answer

Emergency doctrine, as she is unable to consent

Practice question