What restores capacity after impairment due to substances or medical conditions?

• A. The underlying cause resolves
• B. A court order is issued
• C. A new medical consultation is obtained
• D. A nurse reassessment is performed

Answer: (A)

Understanding capacity means assessing whether a person can understand information, appreciate consequences, reason about options, and communicate a choice. When impairment is caused by reversible factors—such as the effects of a substance or an acute medical condition—these faculties often return once the root cause is resolved. So, as the substance wears off or the medical condition improves, the individual’s decision-making ability can be restored. The other steps mentioned may help evaluate or manage a situation, but they do not themselves restore capacity; they are actions around the process, not the mechanism of restoration. If the underlying issue remains unresolved or is permanent, capacity may not be restored, and surrogate decision-making might become necessary.