Which term describes the ability to make sound medical decisions?

• A. Self-determination
• B. Presumed consent
• C. Competence
• D. Informed consent

Answer: (C)

Competence is the ability to make medical decisions. It means a patient can understand relevant information, appreciate the situation and consequences, reason about options, and communicate a clear, voluntary choice. This capacity is decision-specific and may vary over time or with changes in health, so someone can be competent for some decisions but not others. In practice, competence is what allows a patient to give valid consent; if someone is not competent, a surrogate or guardian may make decisions on their behalf. The other terms describe related ideas but aren’t the specific ability to decide: self-determination is about autonomy and the right to decide, presumed consent is a policy default about agreeing unless stated otherwise, and informed consent is the process that requires competence and understanding before agreeing to treatment.