Match each patient scenario or statement with the specific element of decision-making capacity it best demonstrates (either intact or impaired).
- "I know the CT scan shows a brain mass, but I am perfectly healthy and do not have cancer."Impaired appreciation
- "The doctor explained that if I do not take the antibiotics, my pneumonia will worsen."Intact understanding
- "I am refusing the surgery because my religious beliefs strictly prohibit the required blood transfusions."Intact reasoning
- The patient agrees to the procedure, but five minutes later adamantly refuses it, repeatedly changing their mind back and forth.Impaired expression of choice
Answer
Left 1 matches with Impaired appreciation; Left 2 matches with Intact understanding; Left 3 matches with Intact reasoning; Left 4 matches with Impaired expression of choice.
Decision-making capacity requires four distinct elements: understanding the facts, appreciating how they apply to oneself, reasoning through the options using personal values, and expressing a consistent choice. The patient denying they have cancer despite knowing the CT results lacks appreciation. The patient repeating the risk of worsening pneumonia demonstrates understanding. The patient refusing based on religion demonstrates intact reasoning. The patient fluctuating constantly cannot express a consistent choice.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The four components of decision-making capacity: understanding, appreciation, reasoning, and expressing a consistent choice.
Estimated Time:1m 0s