Informed consent for a client with dementia considering an experimental treatment should reflect which principle?

• A. The patient has the right to refuse treatment until competent is determined by a court.
• B. The patient’s family can always consent on the patient’s behalf.
• C. The provider may proceed with experimental treatment without consent.
• D. The patient’s consent is not required for experiments.

Answer: (A)

Autonomy and capacity guide informed consent. When someone has dementia, decision-making ability can be uncertain and may vary by task. The important safeguard is that the person retains the right to refuse treatment while questions about their competence are resolved. If a court later determines they are not competent to make health decisions, a legally authorized surrogate can then consent on their behalf. This protects the patient’s personal rights and ensures decisions reflect the person’s wishes and best interests. Family members aren’t automatically allowed to consent—that power depends on a formal determination of incapacity and a recognized surrogate. And treatment, especially experimental options, still requires the patient’s or their surrogate’s consent; it isn’t appropriate to proceed without consent or to assume consent is unnecessary.