When a patient is medically incapacitated due to impaired decision-making, what is the appropriate action?

• A. The patient is considered medically incapacitated and should be transported.
• B. The patient can refuse care.
• C. The patient should be left on scene.
• D. The patient can sign for discharge.

Answer: (C)

When decision-making ability is impaired, you lack valid informed consent to treat or transport. If there isn’t a legally authorized surrogate available and there’s no immediate life-threatening situation requiring urgent intervention, the appropriate course in this scenario is to leave the patient on scene. This respects the limits of consent while keeping the patient safe to monitor and reassess. If the patient later regains capacity or a surrogate becomes available, you can reassess and decide on further care or transport.