Which one of the following is not required to say that a patient has decision-making capacity:
a) able to reason, to weigh treatment options
b) can express a choice among treatment options
c) is oriented to person, place and time
d) understands the significance of information relative to personal circumstances
Answer: c
The three criteria patients must meet to demonstrate decision making capacity include: Understand the information (e.g. be able to relate what they have been told and what it means) Ability to make a rational Evaluation of the burdens, risks, benefits, and alternatives to the proposed health care Communicate a choice (implies ability to communicate)
Further Reading: Fast Fact #55 Decision Making Capacity
