Describe the concept of mental capacity in consent decisions for dental treatment and how should a nurse respond if a patient lacks capacity?

• A. Capacity is decision-specific and must be assessed; if lacking, treatments should be decided in the patient’s best interests with involvement of carers/advocates; document assessment and decisions; seek consent from appropriate authority if required.
• B. Capacity is global; if lacking, you can proceed.
• C. If lacks capacity, treatments can proceed without consent.
• D. Capacity is only about age.

Answer: (C)