Capacity in depression — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: C — Respect the refusal if he has decision-specific capacity
Respect the refusal if he has decision-specific capacity is the single best answer because the age, timing, examination findings and investigations in the vignette fit Capacity in depression better than the alternatives. The most tempting distractor is less appropriate because it either treats a neighbouring presentation, delays a time-critical intervention, or ignores a key discriminator in the stem. The remaining options are suboptimal because they would miss the diagnosis, use an investigation or treatment in the wrong sequence, or fail to address safety and follow-up. Canadian practice should be anchored to CMPA consent guidance, with attention to acuity, safety-netting and local provincial pathways.
Reference: CMPA consent guidance