NMC - Nursing Midwifery Council Safeguarding Vulnerable People Questions and Answers

Question 1

An 82-year-old patient with dementia is brought to the clinic by her son, who appears impatient and dismissive of his mother's attempts to communicate. During the assessment, you notice several faded bruises on the patient's arms. The son explains they are from a recent fall. According to the NMC Code and safeguarding principles, what is the most appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Report your concerns to the designated safeguarding lead within your organisation in line with local policy.

Answer

The NMC Code requires nurses to act without delay if they believe a person is at risk. While documenting and speaking to the patient are important steps, the primary responsibility is to escalate the concern to the designated safeguarding lead. This ensures a formal and structured investigation can be initiated by professionals trained to handle such situations, protecting both the patient and the nurse. Confronting the son could escalate the risk to the patient, and simply monitoring may delay necessary intervention.

Question 2

Which of the following is a key principle of the Mental Capacity Act 2005?

Accepted Answer

A person must be assumed to have capacity unless it is established that they lack capacity.

Answer

The first principle of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 is the presumption of capacity. Every adult has the right to make their own decisions and must be assumed to have the capacity to do so unless it is proven otherwise. The other options are common misconceptions; the Act requires decisions to be made in the person's best interests (not necessarily by next of kin), clarifies that unwise decisions do not prove lack of capacity, and states that capacity is decision-specific.

Question 3

A 15-year-old girl attends a sexual health clinic alone and requests contraception. She is adamant that her parents should not be informed. In this situation, a nurse would need to assess her competency using which framework?

Accepted Answer

Gillick competence and Fraser guidelines

Answer

Gillick competence is the standard used to determine if a child under 16 has the maturity to make their own decisions about medical treatment. The Fraser guidelines are a specific application of Gillick competence related to contraceptive advice and treatment. The Mental Capacity Act generally applies to those aged 16 and over.

Question 4

A nurse is caring for a vulnerable adult in a residential home. The individual's personal funds are being managed by a staff member, but the nurse notices that the individual frequently lacks basic toiletries and their clothing is becoming worn. This situation could be an indicator of which type of abuse?

Accepted Answer

Financial or material abuse

Answer

Financial or material abuse includes the misuse or theft of a person's money or possessions. In this scenario, the lack of basic necessities despite funds being managed by another person is a significant red flag for financial exploitation, where the money intended for the resident's care and well-being is being used improperly.

Question 5

According to NMC guidance on raising and escalating concerns, what is the first step a nurse should typically take if they witness a practice that could pose a risk to patient safety?

Accepted Answer

Raise the concern internally with their line manager or the designated person.

Answer

NMC guidance states that concerns should normally be raised internally first, usually with a line manager. This allows the organisation to address the issue promptly. Escalating externally is an option if internal processes fail or if the concern is exceptionally serious. While discussing with colleagues might be helpful, the formal first step is to report it through the proper internal channels.

(NMC) Nursing Midwifery Council Practice Test

(NMC) Nursing Midwifery Council Practice Test

NMC - Nursing Midwifery Council Safeguarding Vulnerable People Questions and Answers