28th May 2025

You are clerking an 83-year-old woman who has been referred for drowsiness.

You are clerking an 83-year-old woman who has been referred for drowsiness. She has a past medical history of Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and previous breast cancer. She currently lives in a care home and requires assistance with all personal care.

During your assessment she is confused and agitated. Observations show she is febrile with tachycardia and hypotension. You want to initiate treatment for suspected sepsis. After explaining the problem and proposed management, you assess that she does not have capacity to consent to treatment. She does not have a lasting power of attorney.

What legal framework would you use to treat the patient?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.