UCAT Situational Judgement 4

Question 1

During a procedure, a patient says 'I'm not sure about this — stop.' The most appropriate immediate action is:

Accepted Answer

Stop the procedure immediately and address the patient's concerns

Answer

Carry on as they consented earlier

Answer

Stop only if physically possible without causing harm

Answer

Assume they are anxious and continue

Question 2

A hospital manager asks a doctor to discharge patients faster to free beds, even if the doctor believes they are not ready. The most appropriate response is:

Accepted Answer

Explain clinical concerns clearly, document them, and seek support from senior medical staff if pressured further

Answer

Discharge patients immediately to comply

Answer

Ignore the request and say nothing

Answer

Resign from the post

Question 3

A patient with capacity refuses to tell their sexual partner they have a sexually transmitted infection. The most appropriate response is:

Accepted Answer

Strongly encourage disclosure, explain risks to the partner, and follow public health guidance — only breach confidentiality if a serious identifiable risk cannot otherwise be managed

Answer

Immediately breach confidentiality and contact the partner yourself

Answer

Do nothing — it is entirely the patient's decision

Answer

Refuse to treat the patient unless they disclose

Question 4

You are running a clinic and realise you haven't eaten or drunk anything for 8 hours. You are beginning to feel unfit to practise. The most appropriate action is:

Accepted Answer

Inform your supervisor, arrange cover if needed, and take a break to recover

Answer

Carry on until the clinic is over

Answer

Cancel all appointments without informing anyone

Answer

Prescribe yourself medication to stay alert

Question 5

A medical student is offered payment by a patient to 'bump them up the waiting list'. The most appropriate response is:

Accepted Answer

Decline the offer, explain that treatment is allocated on clinical need, and report the offer

Answer

Accept it — the student needs money

Answer

Decline but don't report it

Answer

Ask a consultant if it is permissible

Question 6

A patient asks a medical student for their personal mobile number 'in case they have questions after the appointment'. The most appropriate response is:

Accepted Answer

Politely decline, explain professional boundaries, and advise the patient to contact the surgery or NHS 111

Answer

Give the number to be helpful

Answer

Give a colleague's number instead

Answer

Ask the consultant for advice before responding