A 55-year-old man has a 3-month history of chest pain and fainting
spells. You feel his symptoms merit cardiac catheterization. You
explain the risks and potential benefits to him, and include your
assessment of his likely prognosis without the intervention. He is
able to demonstrate that he understands all of this, but refuses the
intervention.
Can the refuse the intervention, legally?
A．No, because the patient does not comprehend the severity of his
cardiovascular condition.
B． No, because the patient has a documented life threatening cardiac condition. C． Yes, because he is competent to make this decision, and the doctor has a duty to respect his choice. D． The doctor can perform the cardiac catheterization after obtaining a court order.