NMC OSCE Safeguarding Adults & Children 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Care Act 2014, which of the following is NOT one of the six principles of adult safeguarding?
- Prevention
- Proportionality
- Prosecution (Correct answer)
- Partnership
Correct answer: Prosecution
The six principles of adult safeguarding under the Care Act 2014 are: Empowerment, Prevention, Proportionality, Protection, Partnership, and Accountability. 'Prosecution' is not one of the principles — it is a potential outcome, not a principle of safeguarding.
Question 2: A patient discloses that their family member has been physically abusing them at home. What is the nurse's immediate safeguarding obligation?
- Maintain confidentiality and not share the information without consent
- Report to the local authority's adult safeguarding team and document accurately (Correct answer)
- Advise the patient to contact the police themselves
- Speak to the family member and attempt mediation
Correct answer: Report to the local authority's adult safeguarding team and document accurately
When a safeguarding concern is disclosed, the nurse must report it to the appropriate safeguarding authority (local authority adult safeguarding team) and document the disclosure accurately in the patient's own words. Confidentiality can be overridden when there is a risk of serious harm.
Question 3: Which piece of legislation provides the legal framework for safeguarding adults in England?
- Mental Health Act 1983
- Children Act 1989
- Care Act 2014 (Correct answer)
- Mental Capacity Act 2005
Correct answer: Care Act 2014
The Care Act 2014 introduced statutory adult safeguarding duties in England, placing obligations on local authorities, NHS, and other organisations. It defines who is an adult at risk and outlines the Section 42 safeguarding enquiry process.
Question 4: What is a Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR)?
- A review conducted when a vulnerable adult dies or suffers serious harm linked to abuse (Correct answer)
- A routine audit of safeguarding training records
- An annual inspection by the Care Quality Commission
- A meeting held whenever a safeguarding referral is made
Correct answer: A review conducted when a vulnerable adult dies or suffers serious harm linked to abuse
A Safeguarding Adults Review is conducted by a Safeguarding Adults Board when an adult with care and support needs dies or suffers serious abuse or neglect, and there is concern that agencies could have worked together more effectively to prevent this.
Question 5: A nurse suspects a child is being abused but has no definitive proof. What should they do?
- Wait for definitive proof before acting
- Share concerns with the designated safeguarding lead and make a referral to children's services (Correct answer)
- Speak to the suspected abuser to clarify the situation
- Document suspicions privately without formal reporting
Correct answer: Share concerns with the designated safeguarding lead and make a referral to children's services
Safeguarding children requires acting on reasonable suspicion — proof is not required. The nurse should share concerns with the designated safeguarding lead and make a referral to children's social care if appropriate. Delay can put children at further risk.
Question 6: What is 'fabricated or induced illness' (FII) in the context of child safeguarding?
- A child exaggerating symptoms to avoid school
- A form of child abuse where a caregiver fabricates or induces illness in a child to gain medical attention (Correct answer)
- A condition where children believe themselves to be ill without medical cause
- A historical diagnosis no longer used in UK practice
Correct answer: A form of child abuse where a caregiver fabricates or induces illness in a child to gain medical attention
Fabricated or induced illness (FII), sometimes called Munchausen syndrome by proxy, is a form of child abuse where a carer deliberately fabricates or induces illness in a child. It can involve falsifying medical history, tampering with samples, or inducing symptoms.
