Psychiatric overdose capacity — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: B — Treat as lacking capacity for this decision and arrange urgent conveyance with safeguarding support

Treat as lacking capacity for this decision and arrange urgent conveyance with safeguarding support is the best answer because intoxication, suicidal intent and inability to understand risk undermine capacity for refusing time-critical care. Immobilise every joint and delay departure for a detailed examination is less appropriate because prolonged packaging can delay definitive care; Provide reassurance and reassess after transport is less appropriate because reassurance is inadequate for an evolving major trauma problem. Use oral analgesia as the main treatment and Give unrestricted crystalloid to normalise blood pressure are also suboptimal because they move attention away from the key pre-hospital priority.. The key DipIMC principle is to treat immediate reversible threats, communicate clearly and move the patient toward the right definitive care.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice