Question

An 82-year-old woman with moderate dementia is admitted with a fractured neck of femur following a fall. She is in pain but saying that she does not want an operation. She is oriented to place but not to time and cannot understand or retain the explanation of the procedure and its risks despite repeated attempts. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Proceed to surgery based on a best interests decision after assessing and documenting capacity

Answer

Respect her refusal and discharge her without surgery

Answer

Ask her daughter to sign a consent form on her behalf

Answer

Apply to the Court of Protection before any decision is made

Answer

Give only analgesia and palliative care on the ward

Practice question