NMC OSCE UK Nursing Standards & NMC Code 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the NMC Code, what is the primary principle that underpins all nursing practice in the UK?
- Prioritise people (Correct answer)
- Follow organisational policies
- Maintain documentation
- Report to managers
Correct answer: Prioritise people
The NMC Code is built around four themes, with 'Prioritise people' being the first and primary principle, meaning nurses must put the interests of people using services first.
Question 2: Which organisation regulates nurses and midwives in the United Kingdom?
- General Medical Council
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (Correct answer)
- Care Quality Commission
- Health Education England
Correct answer: Nursing and Midwifery Council
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the regulator for nurses and midwives in the UK. It sets standards, maintains the register, and can investigate and remove registrants.
Question 3: Under the NMC Code, how often must a registered nurse revalidate their registration?
- Every year
- Every two years
- Every three years (Correct answer)
- Every five years
Correct answer: Every three years
NMC revalidation occurs every three years. Nurses must demonstrate continued fitness to practise by completing practice hours, CPD, reflective accounts, and obtaining a confirmation from a confirmer.
Question 4: The NMC Code states nurses must practise within the limits of their competence. What should a nurse do when asked to perform a task outside their competence?
- Attempt the task anyway to avoid delays
- Decline and escalate to an appropriate practitioner (Correct answer)
- Document that the task is outside their scope
- Ask a healthcare assistant to complete it
Correct answer: Decline and escalate to an appropriate practitioner
The NMC Code requires nurses to recognise and work within the limits of their competence. If asked to perform tasks beyond those limits, they must decline and refer to someone with the appropriate knowledge and skills.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the duty of candour under the NMC Code?
- Being honest only when directly asked about errors
- Proactively telling people if something has gone wrong that could harm them (Correct answer)
- Informing management without telling the patient
- Completing an incident form and taking no further action
Correct answer: Proactively telling people if something has gone wrong that could harm them
The duty of candour requires nurses to be open and honest with people when something goes wrong that causes or could cause harm. This includes apologising, providing a full explanation, and offering any practical support available.
Question 6: A patient refuses a recommended treatment. According to the NMC Code, what must the nurse do?
- Seek a court order to override the refusal
- Document the refusal and continue treatment
- Respect the decision and ensure they are informed of consequences (Correct answer)
- Inform relatives and act on their wishes
Correct answer: Respect the decision and ensure they are informed of consequences
The NMC Code requires nurses to respect people's right to accept or refuse treatment. The nurse must ensure the patient has all relevant information and document the refusal, but must not override a competent patient's decision.
NMC OSCE UK Nursing Standards & NMC Code 1
According to the NMC Code, what is the primary principle that underpins all nursing practice in the UK?