A 76-year-old man with moderate vascular dementia and a Barthel Index of 10/20 is admitted to the acute medical unit with pneumonia. His daughter hold...

Question

A 76-year-old man with moderate vascular dementia and a Barthel Index of 10/20 is admitted to the acute medical unit with pneumonia. His daughter holds an LPA for health and welfare registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. She refuses antibiotics on his behalf, stating he would not have wanted treatment. The medical team believes antibiotics are in his best interests. What should the medical team do?

Accepted Answer

Seek an urgent order from the Court of Protection if the disagreement cannot be resolved

Answer

Respect the LPA's decision without question

Answer

Administer antibiotics as the medical team's clinical judgement overrides the LPA

Answer

Contact the police as the daughter may be committing abuse

Answer

Discharge the patient as the LPA has refused treatment

uk-dgm MCQ (SBA): Dispute Between LPA and Medical Team