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Decision-making capacity — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateEthics, Patient Safety, Quality Improvement, Systems-Based PracticeDecision-making capacityUSMLE Step 3

A 72-year-old woman with pneumonia refuses antibiotics. She understands her diagnosis, treatment options, risks, benefits, and can explain consequences consistently. Her son says she has made poor choices before. Which of the following is the most appropriate at this time?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Honor her decision because she has capacity

Capacity is task-specific and requires understanding, appreciation, reasoning, and communication of a choice; disagreement does not prove incapacity.

Reference: AMA Code of Medical Ethics; USMLE Step 3 social sciences