MSRA MSRA Ethics and Law

Question 1

A competent adult patient refuses a blood transfusion on religious grounds despite life-threatening haemorrhage. What should the clinician do?

Accepted Answer

Respect the refusal, document it, and provide alternative management

Answer

Administer the transfusion to save the patient's life

Answer

Apply for emergency court order to override the patient

Answer

Refer the patient to psychiatry

Question 2

A 15-year-old patient presents alone requesting oral contraception. She demonstrates good understanding of the risks and benefits. What does the Fraser competency assessment determine?

Accepted Answer

Whether the specific treatment can be provided without parental knowledge if the patient is competent

Answer

Whether the patient can consent to any treatment without parental involvement

Answer

Whether parents must be notified regardless of the patient's wishes

Answer

Whether a court order is needed

Question 3

A patient with schizophrenia refuses antipsychotic medication. He is currently detained under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act. Can treatment be given without consent?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Section 3 allows treatment for mental disorder without consent after 3 months under Part IV MHA

Answer

No — detention does not authorise treatment without consent

Answer

Yes — immediately on detention with no restrictions

Answer

Only with a second opinion from an independent doctor from admission

Question 4

A junior doctor is asked to obtain consent from a patient for a complex bowel resection they have never performed. What is the ethically correct action?

Accepted Answer

Refuse and ensure the consenting clinician has the knowledge and skill to perform the procedure

Answer

Obtain consent as instructed and document it

Answer

Obtain consent but note they are not the operating surgeon

Answer

Ask the patient to sign a generic consent form

Question 5

A doctor discovers their colleague is performing procedures while impaired by alcohol. What is the appropriate first action under GMC duty of candour?

Accepted Answer

Report immediately to the Clinical Director or nominated responsible officer

Answer

Confront the colleague privately and monitor the situation

Answer

Document the observation and review in 1 month

Answer

Advise the colleague to self-refer to occupational health

Question 6

Which ethical principle underpins the obligation to obtain informed consent before any medical procedure?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice