PLAB 2 Communication Skills 2

Question 1

In a PLAB 2 station, a patient asks 'Am I going to die, doctor?' after being diagnosed with advanced cancer. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the question with empathy, explore what prompted it, give honest information at the patient's pace about prognosis, and ensure support is in place

Answer

Change the subject to avoid distressing the patient

Answer

Give a precise life expectancy in weeks

Answer

Say 'I don't know' and end the conversation

Question 2

A patient's husband calls the ward and asks for an update on his wife's condition. She has not given consent for information to be shared. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Explain that you cannot share medical information without the patient's consent, and suggest he visit or ask his wife to give consent for information sharing

Answer

Provide a full update as he is her husband

Answer

Refuse to speak to him and hang up

Answer

Share limited information that you think is not too sensitive

Question 3

During a PLAB 2 station on discharge planning, a patient with newly diagnosed diabetes asks about their condition. Which communication technique is most effective for ensuring the patient understands?

Accepted Answer

Use plain language, chunk information into manageable portions, check understanding at each stage using teach-back technique, and provide written information to take home

Answer

Use complex medical terminology to demonstrate your expertise

Answer

Give all information at once in a single long explanation

Answer

Only provide written leaflets without verbal explanation

Question 4

A colleague confides in you that they have been drinking alcohol before coming to work. What is your professional obligation according to GMC guidance?

Accepted Answer

You have a duty to raise concerns about patient safety — discuss it with your colleague first, then escalate to a senior clinician or through the appropriate reporting channels if the issue is not addressed

Answer

Keep it confidential as they are your friend

Answer

Ignore it as it is not your responsibility

Answer

Post about it on social media to warn others

Question 5

In a PLAB 2 station, you need to explain to a patient why you are recommending a medication change. The patient says they don't want to change because the current medication 'has always worked.' What approach demonstrates shared decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge their concern, explain the reasons for the change with evidence, discuss the risks and benefits of both options, and reach a joint decision that respects the patient's preferences and values

Answer

Tell the patient they must change medication because you are the doctor

Answer

Change the medication without telling the patient

Answer

Accept the patient's refusal without providing any clinical information

Question 6

A 15-year-old girl attends alone and requests contraception. She does not want her parents to know. Under Gillick competence, what must you assess?

Accepted Answer

Whether she has sufficient understanding and intelligence to fully comprehend the nature and consequences of the proposed treatment — if Gillick competent, she can consent independently

Answer

You must refuse and insist on parental involvement

Answer

You must report this to social services automatically

Answer

You should prescribe without any assessment