NMC OSCE Communication and Consent

Question 1

A patient who speaks limited English requires consent for a surgical procedure. What is the most appropriate way to ensure informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Use a professional interpreter service (in person or telephone) to ensure the patient fully understands the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives

Answer

Ask a family member to translate

Answer

Use hand gestures and simple words

Answer

Proceed without consent as treatment is needed

Question 2

According to the NMC Code (2018), what does the duty of candour require when something goes wrong with a patient's care?

Accepted Answer

Being open and honest with the patient, telling them what has happened, apologising, and explaining the likely effects and what actions will be taken

Answer

Discussing the incident only with colleagues

Answer

Waiting for a formal investigation before telling the patient

Answer

Apologising only if the patient asks what happened

Question 3

A 17-year-old patient wants to consent to treatment but their parents disagree. Under UK law, can this patient give valid consent?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a 16 or 17-year-old is presumed to have capacity to consent to treatment under the Family Law Reform Act 1969

Answer

No — only parents can consent for anyone under 18

Answer

Only if a judge approves

Answer

Only for non-surgical treatments

Question 4

When handing over patient care using the SBAR communication tool, what does each letter stand for?

Accepted Answer

Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation

Answer

Symptoms, Blood results, Actions, Review

Answer

Status, Breathing, Airway, Response

Answer

Summary, Baseline, Allergies, Results

Question 5

A patient with capacity tells you confidential information about plans to harm another specific person. What are your obligations regarding confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality may be breached in the public interest to protect an identifiable person from serious harm; inform the nurse in charge and follow local safeguarding policy

Answer

Patient confidentiality is absolute and can never be breached

Answer

Immediately call the police without telling the patient

Answer

Document it in the notes and take no further action

Question 6

What are the three key elements required for consent to be legally valid?

Accepted Answer

The patient must have capacity, consent must be given voluntarily (without coercion), and the patient must be sufficiently informed

Answer

The form must be signed, dated, and witnessed

Answer

The patient must agree, the doctor must agree, and the family must agree

Answer

The patient must be over 18, be of sound mind, and sign a form