Question

A 30-year-old man attends A&E intoxicated with alcohol after a minor head injury. He has a 3 cm scalp laceration and is demanding to leave before wound closure, insisting that he "doesn’t care" about infection. He is slurring his speech but orientated to person and place, and understands the explanation of risks. What is the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Respect his decision to leave if he demonstrates capacity after appropriate assessment and documentation

Answer

Detain him under the Mental Health Act to suture the wound

Answer

Sedate him and perform suturing against his wishes

Answer

Call security to physically restrain him until he sobers up

Answer

Section him under the Mental Capacity Act automatically because he is intoxicated

Practice question