A 83-year-old woman with severe frailty (CFS 7) lives in a care home. She has advanced dementia (MMSE 8/30), recurrent aspiration pneumonia, and is lo...

Question

A 83-year-old woman with severe frailty (CFS 7) lives in a care home. She has advanced dementia (MMSE 8/30), recurrent aspiration pneumonia, and is losing weight despite dietary modification. The care home staff ask the GP whether a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube should be placed. She has no advance decision or Lasting Power of Attorney. What is the MOST appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a best interests decision under Section 4 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, involving the multidisciplinary team, family, and an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate if she has no one to consult

Answer

Arrange PEG insertion as it is in her best interests to maintain nutrition

Answer

Refer to the Court of Protection for a decision on PEG insertion

Answer

Defer the decision to the care home manager as her primary carer

Answer

Allow her family to make the decision on her behalf as next of kin

uk-dgm MCQ (SBA): Best Interests Decision in Advanced Dementia