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Capacity assessment — DGM MCQ

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EasyEthics and lawCapacity assessmentDGM

An 84-year-old man refuses admission for pneumonia. He understands he is unwell but cannot retain information for more than a few seconds and cannot weigh risks. He is acutely delirious. Current medicines include no regular medicines known. What is the most appropriate assessment?

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Correct answer: A — Decision-specific mental capacity assessment

Capacity must be assessed for the specific decision using understanding, retention, weighing and communication. Clear refusal, family preference, age and unnecessary court delay do not replace the statutory test in urgent care. A person may lack capacity for one decision but retain it for another.

Reference: Mental Capacity Act 2005; NICE NG108