NZREX Patient Communication & Informed Consent

Question 1

Which of the following best describes 'informed consent' under the NZ Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights?

Accepted Answer

Voluntary agreement given after receiving adequate information, understanding it, and having capacity to decide

Answer

A signed form completed before any procedure

Answer

Agreement obtained from the next of kin when the patient is present

Answer

Verbal agreement only, with no documentation required

Question 2

A 16-year-old presents alone requesting contraception. She appears to understand the information provided. What is the legal position regarding consent in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

A 16-year-old can consent to medical treatment independently under the Care of Children Act 2004

Answer

She requires parental consent for any medical treatment

Answer

She can only receive emergency treatment without parental consent

Answer

She must have a social worker present

Question 3

When explaining a diagnosis of cancer to a patient, which communication approach is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Use clear language, pause frequently, check understanding, allow silence, and invite questions

Answer

Deliver all information at once to be efficient

Answer

Avoid telling the patient and inform family first

Answer

Use medical jargon to appear competent

Question 4

A patient has capacity but refuses a blood transfusion that the doctor believes is life-saving. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Respect the refusal, document it thoroughly, and explore the patient's reasons and wishes

Answer

Proceed with transfusion as duty of care overrides refusal

Answer

Seek a court order to override the decision

Answer

Contact next of kin to give consent instead

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a valid reason to override a patient's right to confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

The patient's partner requests information about their diagnosis

Answer

Risk of serious harm to an identifiable third party

Answer

Statutory requirement (e.g., notifiable disease reporting)

Answer

Direct patient care within a treating team

Question 6

Which model of patient communication is most aligned with the NZ Code's emphasis on partnership and shared decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Collaborative/shared decision-making model

Answer

Paternalistic model

Answer

Informative model only

Answer

Interpretive model only