MRCPsych Patient Communication Skills 3

Question 1

A patient with depression consistently deflects personal questions with humor. The most effective therapeutic response is to:

Accepted Answer

Gently name the pattern and explore what lies beneath it

Answer

Naming the defensive pattern respectfully invites the patient to explore underlying affect without confrontation.

Question 2

When conducting a risk assessment for self-harm, which question is most clinically useful?

Accepted Answer

'Can you tell me more about the thoughts you have when you feel at your lowest?'

Answer

Open-ended contextual questions invite detailed disclosure and reveal ideation, intent, and planning more reliably than closed or leading questions.

Question 3

A patient from a collectivist cultural background defers all treatment decisions to their family. The psychiatrist should:

Accepted Answer

Explore the patient's own wishes while respecting cultural context and legal requirements

Answer

Good psychiatric practice explores the patient's own values and preferences while remaining sensitive to cultural context and meeting legal consent requirements.

Question 4

The term 'counter-transference' in the therapeutic relationship refers to:

Accepted Answer

The therapist's emotional reactions to the patient, influenced by the therapist's own history

Answer

Counter-transference describes the clinician's emotional response to the patient, which can be used therapeutically when recognized and managed.

Question 5

A patient with mania is speaking rapidly and jumping between topics. The most effective communication strategy is:

Accepted Answer

Use brief, calm, structured statements and gently redirect

Answer

Brief, structured, and calm communication helps anchor a manic patient without escalating their arousal.

(MRCPsych) Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Practice Test

(MRCPsych) Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Practice Test

MRCPsych Patient Communication Skills 3