Patient PreparationDifficulty 3/5
A patient with dementia cannot give verbal or expressed consent. What does the test plan require?
- AProceed on the basis of implied consent because the patient is hospitalised
- BAsk another member of staff to witness and countersign the requisition
- CPostpone the draw indefinitely until the patient regains full capacity
- DObtain permission from the legal guardian before proceeding with the draw
Show answer and rationale
Correct: D. Task 2G requires obtaining permission from a legal guardian when the patient cannot give verbal or expressed consent, naming children and patients with dementia or mental disabilities.
- A — Implied consent does not substitute for guardian permission where capacity is absent.
- B — A staff witness does not supply the consent that the guardian is required to give.
- C — Postponing indefinitely denies necessary care rather than following the consent pathway.