Potentially Curable Colorectal Cancer in Patient Safety, Preventive & Ethics — 65yo Man | Ethics | SMLE Q#996
SMLE Question #996
Patient Safety, Preventive & Ethics
Ethics
Last updated: February 2026
A 65-year-old man with potentially curable colorectal cancer repeatedly refuses surgery over several visits and is documented to have full decision-making capacity. Two weeks later, he is admitted with worsening abdominal pain and dehydration. He is drowsy with fluctuating consciousness and is assessed to lack capacity for complex decisions. His wife and adult son request that the surgical team proceed, stating he would want to live longer. There is no formal advance directive other than the documented prior refusals. What is the most appropriate management?
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