skip to main content

Decision-making capacity — USMLE Step 2 CK MCQ

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

ModerateEthics, patient safety, quality improvementDecision-making capacityUSMLE Step 2 CK

A 39-year-old White woman comes to the emergency department because of a care-planning concern. History and focused examination are notable for hospitalized patient refusing antibiotics with delirium and fluctuating attention. Temperature is 98.6°F (37.0°C), blood pressure is 126/78 mmHg, pulse is 84/min, respirations are 16/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. Physical examination confirms the key finding and shows no unrelated abnormality that would better explain the presentation. The clinical team is stable enough to pause, clarify roles, and choose an ethically and procedurally appropriate response. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Assess capacity for the specific decision

The vignette describes Decision-making capacity, supported by hospitalized patient refusing antibiotics with delirium and fluctuating attention. Assess capacity for the specific decision is the single best answer because it matches the diagnostic or management priority in this clinical setting. The other choices are plausible alternatives in related presentations, but they do not best fit the timing, findings, and guideline-directed approach described here.

Reference: AMA Code of Medical Ethics