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ReSPECT Form vs Family Disagreement — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ

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HardNon-Malignant Palliative CareReSPECT Form vs Family DisagreementSCE Palliative Medicine

A patient with advanced dementia lacks capacity and develops a potentially treatable infection. A ReSPECT form records a preference for comfort-focused care but is not an ADRT. Her children disagree about admission. What is the correct decision process?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Document a best-interests decision using ReSPECT, burdens and family evidence

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · A = shown as C · E = shown as D · D = shown as E

E is correct. ReSPECT recommendations and recorded preferences are highly relevant but are not themselves a legally binding refusal. The responsible clinician must assess capacity, weigh benefits and burdens, consider known wishes and consult those close to the patient before documenting a best-interests decision. A, B and D substitute family preference for the legal process, while C loses potentially important evidence about the patient’s values.

Reference: NHS England: universal principles for advance care planning: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/universal-principles-for-advance-care-planning/