Which of the following are factors used to assess an incapacitated client?

• A. Dimished capacity
• B. Risk of substantial harm
• C. Client cannot adequately act
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Incapacity is determined by whether a person cannot protect their own interests due to limitations in understanding, judgment, and ability to act. Diminished capacity points to cognitive or decisional impairment that affects how information is received and decisions are made. The risk of substantial harm shows there is real danger to the person or their property if decisions are left unprotected. The client’s inability to adequately act reflects a functional deficit in carrying out necessary tasks or translating decisions into action. Together, these aspects cover the key dimensions of incapacity: how the person understands and decides, the safety concerns if they act or rely on themselves, and the ability to implement and manage actions. That’s why all of these factors are used in assessing an incapacitated client.