CASPer Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In a situation where a patient refuses treatment but a relative, such as the son, asserts that the patient lacks the capacity to make decisions, it is essential for the healthcare provider to take a thoughtful and systematic approach. Consulting with the physician regarding the patient’s capacity is critical.

This approach acknowledges the complexity surrounding patient autonomy and capacity. Healthcare providers must assess the patient's ability to understand the nature and consequences of their treatment choices, as well as their ability to reason about those choices. By consulting with a physician, the healthcare provider ensures that any determination of capacity is made through a proper clinical evaluation, possibly involving further assessments or conversations with the patient, rather than relying solely on third-party assertions. Such consideration is crucial to uphold ethical standards in healthcare, which prioritize respecting patient autonomy and ensuring informed consent where possible.

Forcing treatment without consent undermines patient autonomy and may lead to legal and ethical issues. Relying unverified on the son’s word could endanger the patient's rights and contradict evidence-based practices regarding capacity assessments. Finally, discharging the patient immediately without addressing the concerns leads to unresolved issues regarding their healthcare needs and disregards their expressed wishes. Thus, consulting with the physician represents the appropriate course of action in this scenario.