Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is the legal term for the right of mentally competent patients to consent or refuse medical treatment?

1. Informed consent

2. Durable power of attorney

3. Competence

4. Advance directives

The correct answer is: Competence

The legal term that specifically refers to the right of mentally competent patients to consent to or refuse medical treatment is competence. This concept is foundational in healthcare, as it ensures that patients have the ability to understand the information relevant to their medical decisions and can appreciate the consequences of those decisions. When a patient is deemed competent, they are recognized as having the mental capacity to make informed choices about their own care, reflecting a fundamental ethical principle in medicine that respects patient autonomy. In contrast, informed consent encompasses the overall process by which a patient is made aware of treatment options, risks, and benefits, enabling them to make an informed decision. Durable power of attorney refers to a legal arrangement where a person grants another individual the authority to make decisions on their behalf, typically used when a patient is unable to make such decisions themselves. Advance directives are written statements that outline a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in situations where they may not be able to communicate those wishes, often related to end-of-life care. While all these terms relate to patient rights and decision-making, competence specifically addresses the ability to consent or refuse treatment while fully understanding the implications.