In England, a 16-year-old understands the purpose, risks and alternatives of a proposed operation and wishes to proceed. What is the most appropriate action?
Correct answer: C. Obtain the young person’s own consent after checking understanding
- A. Obtain consent only from a parent with parental responsibility
- B. Treat the young person as unable to consent until age 18
- C. Obtain the young person’s own consent after checking understanding
- D. Delay treatment until a court confirms the young person’s choice
Explanation
People aged 16 and 17 are generally presumed to have capacity to consent to their own treatment. The young person’s valid consent is therefore sufficient for the proposed operation.
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About UK Law, Consent and Mental Capacity
UK consent and capacity law covers valid voluntary consent, adequate information, refusal of treatment, and the Mental Capacity Act principles for assessing decision specific capacity. It includes best interests decisions, least restrictive care, advance decisions and lasting powers of attorney, with capacity distinguished from mental illness, and legal capacity distinguished from clinical competence or mere agreement.
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50 free UK Law, Consent and Mental Capacity MCQs from International Nursing Practice, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
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More UK Law, Consent and Mental Capacity questions
In England, an 8-year-old does not understand a proposed routine operation. A parent with parental responsibility gives consent after receiving appropriate information. Which principle applies?
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In England, an adult with capacity agrees to surgery while a relative repeatedly says, “You must do this.” What should the nurse do before accepting the consent?
In England, a 17-year-old with capacity refuses a non-emergency operation after receiving clear information. The parents demand that staff proceed. What should the nurse do?
In England, which feature is required for an advance decision to refuse life-sustaining treatment to be legally binding?
In England, a patient who speaks very little English needs to consent to an invasive procedure. The patient’s adult child offers to interpret. What should the nurse arrange?