An 86-year-old woman with a history of advanced Alzheimer’s disease is admitted from her care home with a 2-day history of reduced oral intake, fever, and confusion. She has a background of hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Her regular medications include donepezil, bisoprolol, and warfarin. On arrival, she is febrile (38.5°C), tachycardic (HR 112 bpm), and appears confused and agitated. Urinalysis shows nitrites and leukocytes; bloods reveal raised inflammatory markers. A diagnosis of urinary tract infection with delirium is made. She is started on IV fluids and antibiotics. She becomes increasingly distressed, repeatedly removes her IV cannula, and insists she wants to “go home.” Staff are concerned about her capacity to consent to treatment.
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