Situational Judgement Flashcards

A colleague confides they have been self-medicating with prescription drugs. What should you do first?

Answer: Encourage them to seek appropriate help and support, such as occupational health

The first step is to encourage the colleague to seek appropriate professional help, which addresses both their health needs and potential patient safety concerns.

A patient discloses domestic abuse to you during a consultation. What is the most appropriate action?

Answer: Listen, document the disclosure sensitively, provide information about support services, and act according to the patient's wishes

Sensitive documentation, provision of support information, and following the patient's wishes (unless there is imminent risk) is the most appropriate response.

You realise you made an error in prescribing that caused a patient mild harm. The patient has not noticed. What should you do?

Answer: Disclose the error to the patient, apologise, and complete an incident report

The duty of candour requires disclosure of errors that cause harm, regardless of severity, and an incident report supports learning.

A medical student in your team regularly arrives late to ward rounds. What is the most appropriate initial step?

Answer: Speak to the student privately to understand the reason for lateness and offer support

A private, supportive conversation is the appropriate first step, allowing for understanding of any underlying issues before escalating.

A patient's relative demands access to the patient's medical notes. The patient is conscious and competent. What should you do?

Answer: Decline to share without the patient's explicit consent

Medical records are confidential and can only be shared with third parties with the patient's explicit consent when the patient has capacity.

You are caring for a terminally ill patient who asks you directly whether they are dying. What is the most appropriate response?

Answer: Explore what the patient already knows and gently, honestly discuss their prognosis with sensitivity

Honest, sensitive communication that begins by exploring the patient's understanding is considered best practice in end-of-life care.