Question

A 70-year-old patient with advanced dementia and no advance directive is being considered for a feeding tube. The family wants it, but the consultant believes it is not in the patient's best interests. According to MCA guidelines, what is the next step?

Accepted Answer

Seek a best interests meeting; consider the patient's previously expressed wishes if known

Answer

Honor the family request automatically

Answer

Insert feeding tube immediately

Answer

Go to court for every case

Answer

Ignore the family's views entirely

Practice question

A 70-year-old patient with advanced dementia and no advance directive is being considered for a feeding tube. The family wants it, but the consultant believes it is not in the patient's best interests. According to MCA guidelines, what is the next step?