MRCPsych Professional Ethics and Standards 2

Question 1

A psychiatrist discovers that a colleague is regularly seeing patients while impaired by alcohol. What is the FIRST appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Inform the clinical director or responsible officer

Answer

The first step is typically to raise concerns with the responsible officer or clinical director, who has formal authority to investigate and act.

Question 2

Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, when assessing decision-making capacity, which principle is paramount?

Accepted Answer

Capacity is presumed present unless evidence indicates otherwise

Answer

The MCA 2005 establishes that capacity must be presumed unless there is evidence to the contrary — the presumption of capacity is the foundational principle.

Question 3

A patient with schizophrenia discloses that they have been driving regularly despite being told not to by their GP. What is the psychiatrist's ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Advise the patient to inform the DVLA and breach confidentiality if they refuse

Answer

GMC guidance requires advising the patient to inform the DVLA, and if they refuse, the psychiatrist should breach confidentiality to protect public safety.

Question 4

Which ethical framework best describes the approach of treating patients according to their own values and goals rather than imposing the clinician's values?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Autonomy refers to respecting a patient's right to make decisions consistent with their own values, free from undue clinician influence.

Question 5

A patient detained under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act refuses electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Under what circumstance can ECT be given without consent?

Accepted Answer

If the patient lacks capacity and it is immediately necessary to save life or prevent serious deterioration

Answer

Under the MHA, ECT can be given without consent only when the patient lacks capacity and it is immediately necessary to save life or prevent serious deterioration.

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

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

MRCPsych Professional Ethics and Standards 2