Final answer:
Legislation requires health care practitioners to find an alternative decision-maker when a client cannot make treatment decisions. They must ensure the patient's rights and previously expressed wishes are considered, while navigating through complex issues like those involving brain-dead patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a health care practitioner finds a client is incapable of making a treatment decision, legislation typically requires the practitioner to seek an alternative decision-maker, such as a legally appointed guardian, close family member, or through a court order if necessary. This person, often referred to as a substitute decision-maker, is charged with making decisions in the best interests of the incapacitated individual. The healthcare provider is also expected to ensure that the patient's rights are respected throughout the process and to consider the patient's previously expressed wishes, if known.
The responsibility of the sick person, as mentioned, is to seek technically competent help and endeavor to get well. When issues of medical response to patients who are declared brain dead arise, they become complex due to ethical, legal, and personal beliefs that inform decisions on continuation or withdrawal of life support systems and organ donation considerations.