Situational Judgement Flashcards

A friend who is not a healthcare professional asks you to prescribe them antibiotics informally 'to save a GP appointment'. The most appropriate response is:

Answer: Decline — prescribing to friends outside a proper clinical encounter is unprofessional and potentially unsafe

Prescribing outside a proper clinical assessment, especially to friends, is ethically and legally problematic. It also risks antibiotic misuse. A firm but kind refusal is required.

A medical school exam question scenario: a student discovers their friend has obtained the exam paper in advance. The most appropriate action is:

Answer: Report the matter to the medical school — academic integrity affects future patient safety

Medical school academic dishonesty is serious because it undermines the integrity of professional training and ultimately affects patient safety. Reporting is a professional duty.

A patient discloses they are being abused by a partner but begs you not to tell anyone. They are a competent adult. The most appropriate response is:

Answer: Acknowledge the disclosure sensitively, discuss options, provide safety information and resources, but respect their autonomy — unless there is imminent risk to life

A competent adult has autonomy over decisions about their safety. The clinician's role is to support, inform, and provide resources. Mandatory reporting against a competent adult's wishes is generally not appropriate unless there is imminent risk of serious harm or children are involved.

A clinical supervisor gives consistently negative and demoralising feedback that is affecting your wellbeing and learning. The most appropriate action is:

Answer: Discuss concerns with the educational supervisor or student support team and seek guidance on next steps

Trainees have a right to a supportive learning environment. Raising concerns through appropriate channels (educational supervisor, student support) is the professional approach.

A patient with severe learning disability is brought in by a carer. The patient cannot communicate verbally. Consent for a procedure is needed. The most appropriate approach is:

Answer: Assess capacity using appropriate communication tools, involve carers in best-interests discussion, and if lacking capacity proceed under the MCA

Capacity must be assessed, not assumed. With appropriate support (communication aids, familiar carers) the patient may have capacity for some decisions. If not, best-interests decision-making under the MCA applies.

During a home visit with a GP, you notice a child with multiple bruises in unusual locations. The GP seems to dismiss your concern. The most appropriate action is:

Answer: Voice your concern clearly to the GP and if still dismissed, escalate through safeguarding channels independently

Child safeguarding is a mandatory duty. Concern about non-accidental injury must be escalated regardless of a senior's dismissal. Independent escalation through safeguarding channels is appropriate.