Clinical Scenario - 2:
Peter is a 60 year old man who is admitted to hospital
for investigations for abdominal pains. Peter had a stroke
two years ago and is extremely claustrophobic. Peter’s
speech is slurred and difficult to understand and he
gets and can appear confused when he is very tired. The
medical staff want to do an abdominal CT scan on Peter
but this will require him to lie flat in an enclosed
space, something which Peter will not consider. He
refuses to consent to the procedure.
The potential implications of his decision are explained
to Peter and as it is clear that he understands what
the doctors have explained then it is his right to decide
not to have the CT scan.
DiscussionThere should be a presumption
of capacity. Every practical effort must be made to maximise
capacity. Remember a person is entitled to make an unwise
decision, this does not necessarily undermine their capacity. |
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