title: Ethics paramount when patient lacks capacity.
abstract: Nurse leaders must use ethical decision-making skills when patients can't decide for themselves.
authors.affiliation: Thuillez, Ford, Gold, Johnson and Butler in Albany, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Karen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Butler
mesh_terms: D016223:Advance Directives / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009515:New Jersey; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011368:Professional-Family Relations / Q000941:ethics; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence