skip to main content

Refusal of care with impaired capacity — ACEM Fellowship MCQ

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

HardEthics, Indigenous health, rural/retrieval medicineRefusal of care with impaired capacityACEM Fellowship

A 74-year-old man in a rural ED, triage category 2, has urosepsis with delirium and hypotension. He repeatedly tries to leave, cannot describe his illness or consequences, and has no advance care directive available. His daughter is contactable by phone. What is the most appropriate management?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Treat urgent illness, document impaired capacity and involve substitute decision-maker

Delirium with inability to understand consequences means urgent treatment can proceed while documenting capacity assessment and involving substitutes.

Reference: ACEM ethics curriculum; Australian consent and capacity principles