Question

A 79-year-old man with advanced dementia lacks capacity to consent to treatment for pneumonia. His daughter insists on intravenous antibiotics, but you judge that oral antibiotics and comfort-focused care at home are in his best interests. What principle should guide your decision?

Accepted Answer

Act in the patient’s best interests based on his values and current clinical situation

Answer

Always follow the family’s wishes

Answer

Decline to treat because he lacks capacity

Answer

Treat him exactly as if he had full capacity and refused antibiotics

Answer

Seek a court order in every case of disagreement

Practice question

A 79-year-old man with advanced dementia lacks capacity to consent to treatment for pneumonia. His daughter insists on intravenous antibiotics, but you judge that oral antibiotics and comfort-focused care at home are in his best interests. What principle should guide your decision?