A 77-year-old woman is being assessed for capacity to make a decision about undergoing a below-knee amputation for critical limb ischaemia. She has mi...

Question

A 77-year-old woman is being assessed for capacity to make a decision about undergoing a below-knee amputation for critical limb ischaemia. She has mild Alzheimer's disease (MMSE 22/30). She understands the procedure, the risks, and the alternative of conservative management. She can weigh the information and communicate her decision clearly. She decides to refuse the amputation. Under the MCA 2005, what is the correct legal position?

Accepted Answer

She has capacity to make this specific decision, and her refusal must be respected even if clinicians disagree

Answer

She lacks capacity because she has dementia and is refusing a life-saving procedure

Answer

She needs a psychiatric assessment before her refusal can be accepted

Answer

Her family must agree with her decision for it to be valid

Answer

She should be overridden in her best interests

uk-dgm MCQ (SBA): Capacity to Refuse Life-Sustaining Treatment