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Capacity and unwise decision — DGM MCQ

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EasyEthics and lawCapacity and unwise decisionDGM

A 76-year-old man with stable mild cognitive impairment refuses a recommended walking aid. He explains the fall risk and says he values walking unaided outdoors. He can retain and weigh the information. Current medicines include amlodipine. What is the most appropriate management?

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

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Correct answer: C — Respect the decision and document capacity discussion

A person with capacity can make an unwise decision, so the role is to explain risks and document the assessment. Overriding, family substitution, equating refusal with incapacity and DoLS are not appropriate. Capacity protects autonomy, not just clinically preferred choices.

Reference: Mental Capacity Act 2005; NICE NG108