How should the nurse respond to Mrs. Martin about administering Antabuse without her husband’s consent?

How should the nurse respond to Mrs. Martin about administering Antabuse without her husband’s consent?

• A. Mr. Martin cannot be given Antabuse without his consent.
• B. Can you arrange to be made his substitute decision maker so that you can consent to the Antabuse?
• C. That would be helpful, but I don't think you would be allowed to consent for him.
• D. Perhaps you can get the doctor to order it for you and then give it to your husband.

Answer: (A)

Consent in medication administration hinges on the patient’s decision-making capacity. Antabuse can be given only with the patient’s informed consent. A spouse cannot authorize treatment on someone else’s behalf unless the patient lacks capacity and there is a legally appointed substitute decision maker. Therefore, without Mr. Martin’s consent, Antabuse cannot be given. If capacity is in question, the nurse should assess and involve the physician to determine whether a substitute decision maker applies, but the default is that consent must come from Mr. Martin himself. If he consents, proceed; if not, respect his decision and discuss alternatives.

Consent in medication administration hinges on the patient’s decision-making capacity. Antabuse can be given only with the patient’s informed consent. A spouse cannot authorize treatment on someone else’s behalf unless the patient lacks capacity and there is a legally appointed substitute decision maker. Therefore, without Mr. Martin’s consent, Antabuse cannot be given. If capacity is in question, the nurse should assess and involve the physician to determine whether a substitute decision maker applies, but the default is that consent must come from Mr. Martin himself. If he consents, proceed; if not, respect his decision and discuss alternatives.