MRCPsych Professional Ethics and Standards 3

Question 1

Which of the following BEST describes 'therapeutic privilege' and its current standing in UK medical ethics?

Accepted Answer

A largely discredited concept — withholding information to prevent distress generally violates patient autonomy

Answer

Therapeutic privilege — withholding information to spare distress — is largely rejected in contemporary UK ethics as it undermines patient autonomy and informed consent.

Question 2

A psychiatrist in private practice develops romantic feelings for a former patient discharged 6 months ago. According to GMC guidance, this relationship:

Accepted Answer

Remains inappropriate indefinitely due to the power imbalance inherent in the therapeutic relationship

Answer

GMC guidance prohibits sexual and romantic relationships with former patients indefinitely, as the power dynamics of the therapeutic relationship do not simply dissolve at discharge.

Question 3

Under the Equality Act 2010, which of the following is a 'protected characteristic' directly relevant to psychiatric practice?

Accepted Answer

Mental and physical disability

Answer

Disability, including mental illness, is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, requiring reasonable adjustments in healthcare settings.

Question 4

A patient with anorexia nervosa has capacity and refuses nasogastric feeding. She is not detained. What is the ethical and legal position?

Accepted Answer

Her capacitous refusal must be respected, even if this results in death

Answer

A capacitous adult's refusal of treatment is legally and ethically binding in England and Wales, even if that decision may lead to death.

Question 5

The concept of 'moral distress' in psychiatry refers to:

Accepted Answer

A clinician's distress when prevented from acting according to their ethical judgement

Answer

Moral distress occurs when clinicians know the ethically right action but are constrained by institutional or systemic factors from carrying it out.

(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 3