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Independent advocate — DGM MCQ

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HardEthics and lawIndependent advocateDGM

A 90-year-old man lacks capacity for a serious medical treatment decision and has no family or friends to consult. The decision is not urgent today. The team need to decide about surgery for bowel obstruction. Current medicines include no regular medicines known. What is the most appropriate referral?

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

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Correct answer: C — Independent Mental Capacity Advocate

An IMCA should be instructed for certain serious medical treatment decisions when a person lacks capacity and has no appropriate consultees. A chaplain or volunteer cannot consent, lack of family does not remove consultation duties, and court is not needed for every decision. Independent advocacy protects people without informal advocates.

Reference: Mental Capacity Act 2005; NICE NG108