Situational Judgement Flashcards

A medical student overhears a consultant making a derogatory comment about a patient's lifestyle. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Answer: Politely raise concern with the consultant privately after the interaction

Raising the concern privately with the consultant first is professional, proportionate, and follows the principle of addressing issues at the lowest appropriate level.

You are a junior doctor and a colleague asks you to sign off on a procedure you did not perform or observe. What should you do?

Answer: Refuse and explain why you cannot sign documentation for something you didn't do

Signing documentation for procedures not performed or witnessed is dishonest and violates professional standards; you must decline and explain why.

A patient refuses a blood transfusion on religious grounds despite it being life-saving. What is the most appropriate response?

Answer: Respect the refusal if the patient has capacity and document it

A competent adult has the right to refuse treatment for any reason, including religious beliefs, and this must be documented and respected.

You notice a senior colleague appears to be intoxicated during a ward round. What should you do?

Answer: Discreetly raise your concern with an appropriate senior or supervisor

Patient safety concerns about a colleague must be escalated discreetly to an appropriate senior who can act to protect patients.

A patient asks you to keep information from their family that you believe the family needs to know for care planning. What should you do?

Answer: Respect the patient's confidentiality and explore the patient's concerns

Confidentiality must be maintained unless there is a serious risk of harm, so you should respect the patient's wishes and explore why they do not want the information shared.

You are running behind schedule and a patient who has been waiting for 90 minutes is becoming increasingly frustrated. What is the most appropriate action?

Answer: Apologise, acknowledge the wait, and give a realistic update on when you can see them

Acknowledging the patient's frustration, apologising, and providing a realistic update demonstrates empathy and good communication.