Mental Capacity & Professional Communication Flashcards
6 cards from real NMC OSCE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Mental Capacity & Professional Communication flashcards as text
A patient asks for information about their prognosis. The doctor has not yet discussed this with the patient. What should the nurse do?
Answer: Explain what you know in your professional role, acknowledge what has not yet been discussed, and facilitate a conversation with the doctor
Nurses must communicate honestly and transparently within their scope. They can acknowledge the patient's concern, provide information within their competence, and facilitate a meeting with the treating doctor for detailed prognostic discussion. Evading the question or refusing is not appropriate.
A nurse identifies that a patient does not understand the risks of a procedure they have consented to. What should the nurse do?
Answer: Inform the consenting clinician so they can reassess the patient's understanding and re-obtain informed consent
For consent to be valid, the patient must understand the information given. If a nurse identifies that understanding is absent, this should be escalated to the consenting clinician so informed consent can be properly obtained. The signed form itself is not proof of valid consent.
What is the purpose of a clinical supervision session for a nurse?
Answer: To provide regular protected time for reflection on practice, emotional support, and professional development
Clinical supervision provides a structured, supportive relationship in which a nurse can reflect on their clinical practice, process challenging cases, develop professionally, and receive support. It is distinct from performance management and is not primarily a monitoring tool.
Under the Equality Act 2010, which of the following is a protected characteristic relevant to healthcare communication?
Answer: Disability
The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination based on nine characteristics, including disability, age, sex, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy/maternity, and marriage/civil partnership. Disability is a key protected characteristic in healthcare.
A nurse working in an NHS trust notices a systemic issue that puts patients at risk. What is the most appropriate course of action?
Answer: Raise the concern through whistleblowing channels, including Freedom to Speak Up Guardians, if internal escalation fails
The NMC Code requires nurses to raise and escalate concerns about patient safety. Freedom to Speak Up Guardians were introduced in all NHS trusts to support staff in raising concerns. Whistleblowing protections are provided by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
A nurse is caring for a patient who is a Jehovah's Witness and refuses a blood transfusion as a competent adult. The patient's condition is deteriorating. What is the correct action?
Answer: Respect the refusal, optimise all alternative treatments, document fully, and seek senior support for non-blood management
A competent adult's refusal of treatment must be respected regardless of the consequences, including death. The nurse and team must maximise alternative treatments (e.g., cell salvage, iron therapy), document the patient's wishes fully, and involve senior clinical staff and ethics support where needed.