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?
Correct answer: C. Stop the preparation and urgently seek senior and legal advice
- A. Proceed because parental consent overrides the refusal
- B. Ignore the refusal because the operation is clinically advisable
- C. Stop the preparation and urgently seek senior and legal advice
- D. Ask the parents to hold the patient during the operation
Explanation
A refusal by a competent 16- or 17-year-old requires careful legal consideration and cannot simply be overridden by parental wishes. The nurse should stop preparation and obtain urgent senior and legal review.
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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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