Doc 2- Practice Questions for Situational Judgement | Situational Judgement for UCAT PDF Download

Situational Judgement Practice Questions

The situational judgement test (SJT) measures your capacity to understand real world situations and to identify critical factors and appropriate behaviour in dealing with them. Questions do not require medical or procedural knowledge. The test assesses integrity, perspective taking, team involvement, resilience and adaptability.

Q.1. Loki, a medical student, is on placement in a hospital. He is shadowing a doctor, Dr Nikolas, who is reporting test results back to a patient, Rhea, who has been suffering with chronic stomach pains. Dr Nikolas informs Rhea that all of her tests came back normal, and that the chronic stomach pains may just be a result of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dr Nikolas then promptly leaves to attend to an emergency. Rhea tells Loki that she is upset that she still does not have a diagnosis.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Loki in this situation? Assume that each of the following responses would be said politely.
“I will follow up with Dr Nikolas about what the next steps are for a formal diagnosis.”
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (b)
This is an appropriate but not ideal thing to say. Although it may reassure the patient that there are potential courses of action for diagnosing her condition, there are limits to Loki’s scope of practice as a medical student. As an observational student, it is outside Loki’s scope of practice to determine a clinical course of action and it is not Loki’s responsibility to follow up on a clinical course of action. It is important that trainee doctors and doctors understand their allocated roles and only practise within their allocated roles, responsibilities and limits of competence.

Q.2. Loki, a medical student, is on placement in a hospital. He is shadowing a doctor, Dr Nikolas, who is reporting test results back to a patient, Rhea, who has been suffering with chronic stomach pains. Dr Nikolas informs Rhea that all of her tests came back normal, and that the chronic stomach pains may just be a result of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dr Nikolas then promptly leaves to attend to an emergency. Rhea tells Loki that she is upset that she still does not have a diagnosis.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Loki in this situation? Assume that each of the following responses would be said politely.
“I will ask Dr Nikolas if he can do any other tests.”
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (c)
This is an inappropriate but not awful thing to say because it may reassure the patient that further action can be taken. However, Loki is potentially overstepping professional boundaries by making a suggestion that, as a student, may not be appropriate due to limited scope of practice, knowledge, and competence.

Q.3. Loki, a medical student, is on placement in a hospital. He is shadowing a doctor, Dr Nikolas, who is reporting test results back to a patient, Rhea, who has been suffering with chronic stomach pains. Dr Nikolas informs Rhea that all of her tests came back normal, and that the chronic stomach pains may just be a result of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dr Nikolas then promptly leaves to attend to an emergency. Rhea tells Loki that she is upset that she still does not have a diagnosis.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Loki in this situation? Assume that each of the following responses would be said politely.
“I understand that it is frustrating that you do not have a diagnosis yet.”
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (a)
This is a very appropriate thing to say because it is empathetic and acknowledges the patient’s concerns as valid, as should be expected of any healthcare professional, including trainees. Doctors, including trainee doctors, should listen and respond to their patients' concerns and preferences.

Q.4. Loki, a medical student, is on placement in a hospital. He is shadowing a doctor, Dr Nikolas, who is reporting test results back to a patient, Rhea, who has been suffering with chronic stomach pains. Dr Nikolas informs Rhea that all of her tests came back normal, and that the chronic stomach pains may just be a result of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dr Nikolas then promptly leaves to attend to an emergency. Rhea tells Loki that she is upset that she still does not have a diagnosis.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Loki in this situation? Assume that each of the following responses would be said politely.
“You should be happy that it is just IBS.”
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (d)
This is a very inappropriate thing to say because this response does not acknowledge or address the patient’s concern. The response also implies that the patient is in the wrong for expressing concern about their condition. It may also give the patient a false impression that IBS is not a condition with serious or significant implications on health.

Q.5. Loki, a medical student, is on placement in a hospital. He is shadowing a doctor, Dr Nikolas, who is reporting test results back to a patient, Rhea, who has been suffering with chronic stomach pains. Dr Nikolas informs Rhea that all of her tests came back normal, and that the chronic stomach pains may just be a result of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dr Nikolas then promptly leaves to attend to an emergency. Rhea tells Loki that she is upset that she still does not have a diagnosis.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Loki in this situation? Assume that each of the following responses would be said politely.
“Come back if you are still having problems in the future.”
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (b)
This is an appropriate but not ideal thing to say. Although it may reassure the patient, it does not address the patient’s current concerns about their health. Additionally, Loki is operating outside his scope of practice as a medical student by suggesting a course of action to a patient without the appropriate authority, knowledge or competence. It is important that doctors and trainee doctors practise within the limits of their competence and allocated roles.

Q.6. Olivia, a medical student, is on a placement in a hospital ward with fellow student, Aoife. Aoife has just finished a ward round observing a consultant, Dr Webster. Aoife explains that during the ward round Dr Webster asked her some very difficult questions that she was unable to answer. She is now very upset as she is worried that Dr Webster does not think that she is a competent medical student.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Olivia in this situation? Assume that each of the following responses would be said politely.
"Maybe you should revise the topics Dr Webster asked you about, so you are able to answer his questions if it happens again."
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (b)
This is an appropriate, but not ideal response. What Aoife requires at this time is support as she is very upset. She probably just wants encouragement and reassurance from Olivia. It does offer some practical advice too by suggesting Aoife takes this opportunity to further her learning. Therefore, it is appropriate advice, but perhaps could have been delivered in a more sensitive manner.

Q.7. Olivia, a medical student, is on a placement in a hospital ward with fellow student, Aoife. Aoife has just finished a ward round observing a consultant, Dr Webster. Aoife explains that during the ward round Dr Webster asked her some very difficult questions that she was unable to answer. She is now very upset as she is worried that Dr Webster does not think that she is a competent medical student.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Olivia in this situation? Assume that each of the following responses would be said politely.
"I think you should discuss how you are feeling with your supervisor."
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (a)
This is a very appropriate response. An educational supervisor’s role is to ensure their trainees' wellbeing as well as educational progression, and this scenario relates to both of these. It would be useful to talk to someone who is supportive but also independent to offer their assessment of the situation. They could identify whether the questioning had been fair, whether Aoife’s response was fair, and hopefully offer some reassurance to Aoife that she is doing well as a medical student, or indeed offer some learning objectives for any learning gaps that need addressing.

Q.8. Olivia, a medical student, is on a placement in a hospital ward with fellow student, Aoife. Aoife has just finished a ward round observing a consultant, Dr Webster. Aoife explains that during the ward round Dr Webster asked her some very difficult questions that she was unable to answer. She is now very upset as she is worried that Dr Webster does not think that she is a competent medical student.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Olivia in this situation? Assume that each of the following responses would be said politely.
"I’m sure Dr Webster wouldn’t think that you are an incompetent medical student based on one interaction."
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (a)
This is a very appropriate response. It is a very rational and fair comment. It is appreciating that perhaps Aoife had not known the answers as perhaps she should have, and it does not offer false reassurance. It recognises correctly that Dr Webster will not make a judgement of a medical student on a single interaction, which is also true, this is very reassuring for Aoife. It is an honest and fair response.

Q.9. Olivia, a medical student, is on a placement in a hospital ward with fellow student, Aoife. Aoife has just finished a ward round observing a consultant, Dr Webster. Aoife explains that during the ward round Dr Webster asked her some very difficult questions that she was unable to answer. She is now very upset as she is worried that Dr Webster does not think that she is a competent medical student.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Olivia in this situation? Assume that each of the following responses would be said politely.
"You should speak to Dr Webster about how you are feeling."
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (b)
This is an appropriate, but not ideal response. This is a very open and honest approach. Discussing with Dr Webster after the event is a mature response and it allows Aoife to explain that she was very upset, which might make Dr Webster reflect on if her questioning and tone had been appropriate. It also gives Aoife a chance to explain that she has gone away and done some further learning and reassure Dr Webster that she is a hardworking medical student. However, it is likely that Aoife would not feel comfortable approaching Dr Webster again, so this is not the ideal solution, as it may be better to discuss the situation with someone independent.

Q.10. Olivia, a medical student, is on a placement in a hospital ward with fellow student, Aoife. Aoife has just finished a ward round observing a consultant, Dr Webster. Aoife explains that during the ward round Dr Webster asked her some very difficult questions that she was unable to answer. She is now very upset as she is worried that Dr Webster does not think that she is a competent medical student.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Olivia in this situation? Assume that each of the following responses would be said politely.
"It was unfair for Dr Webster to ask you such difficult questions."
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (c)
This is an inappropriate, but not awful response. It does not address the issues or offer any practical solution, however it is not awful as it appears to be supportive. It may offer false reassurance if Aoife does have some further learning that needs to be addressed.

Q.11. Susie is a dental student, currently completing a placement in a dental practice. Susie is talking to a patient, Blair, who asks Susie what she has been doing lately. Susie starts to tell Blair about the holiday she has just returned from, but as Susie is talking, Blair bursts into tears. Blair confides in Susie that he has recently lost his job and is struggling for money, so he is worried that he will not be able to provide for his family.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Susie in this situation?
“Sorry Blair, I didn't know what you were going through.”
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (b)
This is an appropriate but not ideal thing to say because although Susie was responding to a direct question from the patient, she could not have anticipated her response would have the effect it did as she did not know about Blair’s financial situation before engaging in the conversation. In this response, Susie is conveying compassion and empathy to the patient, which is appropriate, however, the response is not ideal because it can be considered as not being particularly helpful to the patient.

Q.12. Susie is a dental student, currently completing a placement in a dental practice. Susie is talking to a patient, Blair, who asks Susie what she has been doing lately. Susie starts to tell Blair about the holiday she has just returned from, but as Susie is talking, Blair bursts into tears. Blair confides in Susie that he has recently lost his job and is struggling for money, so he is worried that he will not be able to provide for his family.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Susie in this situation?
“I’m sure that things will get better soon.”
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (d)
This is a very inappropriate thing to say as Susie is not able to predict the future, including whether things will get better for Blair or not. It is important that trainee clinicians and clinicians are honest with their patients in all circumstances, particularly when dealing with sensitive and distressing information.

Q.13. Susie is a dental student, currently completing a placement in a dental practice. Susie is talking to a patient, Blair, who asks Susie what she has been doing lately. Susie starts to tell Blair about the holiday she has just returned from, but as Susie is talking, Blair bursts into tears. Blair confides in Susie that he has recently lost his job and is struggling for money, so he is worried that he will not be able to provide for his family.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Susie in this situation?
“I can speak to my supervisor so that he/she can advise you of services in the area that may be able to help or advise you.”
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (a)
This is a very appropriate thing to say. As part of addressing patients’ needs in clinical practice, clinicians are expected to be able to direct or signpost patients to health and wellbeing services outside their scope of practice and other services, such as social services, citizens advice bureau, etc. This ensures that the patient’s needs are able to be met and contributes to the maintenance of the patient’s overall wellbeing.

Q.14. Susie is a dental student, currently completing a placement in a dental practice. Susie is talking to a patient, Blair, who asks Susie what she has been doing lately. Susie starts to tell Blair about the holiday she has just returned from, but as Susie is talking, Blair bursts into tears. Blair confides in Susie that he has recently lost his job and is struggling for money, so he is worried that he will not be able to provide for his family.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Susie in this situation?
“Have you spoken to anyone else about your worries?”
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (a)
This is a very appropriate thing to say as Susie should show concern for the patient and advise or signpost where or when appropriate. Part of the process of determining how best to advise or signpost is identifying what advice or support services Blair may have already received. This ensures that the advice or signposting Blair is given is appropriate, accurate and fit for purpose.

Q.15. Zara is walking through the university campus when she sees fellow classmate, Jacob, who approaches her. Jacob is clearly upset and tells Zara “I’ve just found out that I did not pass all of my exams and I’m going to have to repeat this year if I want to stay on the course. I really worked hard and feel that even if I repeat this year, I will just fail again. I think it would be best if I quit university. What do you think I should do?”
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Zara in this situation? Assume that each of the following responses would be said politely.
“Have you thought about seeking support from the university for advice on what to do?”
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Very appropriate. Students don’t pass exams for a variety of reasons. Sometimes there are additional learning needs such as undiagnosed dyslexia, or personal health problems or stressors going on in their lives. We don’t know the details here. However it is very appropriate to signpost Jacob to professional help in this situation. It is sensitively delivered and gives a practical solution that Jacob might not have thought of. Also, repeating a year of university is a significant undertaking (emotionally, financially) and having support through this decision would be important. 

Q.16. Zara is walking through the university campus when she sees fellow classmate, Jacob, who approaches her. Jacob is clearly upset and tells Zara “I’ve just found out that I did not pass all of my exams and I’m going to have to repeat this year if I want to stay on the course. I really worked hard and feel that even if I repeat this year, I will just fail again. I think it would be best if I quit university. What do you think I should do?”
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Zara in this situation? Assume that each of the following responses would be said politely.
“Maybe you could apply for a different course, perhaps an easier one?”
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (d)
This is very inappropriate. Students fail exams for a variety of reasons; personal stress, physical health problems, additional learning needs and we don’t know any details in this case. Rarely is it due to ‘intelligence’. This comment is patronising and demeaning. Jacob is already upset and hearing this from a peer is likely to make him feel worse, as well as not worthy. It is likely that everyone will need help at one point in their undergraduate (and/or postgraduate) training and it is appropriate to treat Jacob kindly as you would hope to be treated yourself if the situation was reversed.

Q.17. Zara is walking through the university campus when she sees fellow classmate, Jacob, who approaches her. Jacob is clearly upset and tells Zara “I’ve just found out that I did not pass all of my exams and I’m going to have to repeat this year if I want to stay on the course. I really worked hard and feel that even if I repeat this year, I will just fail again. I think it would be best if I quit university. What do you think I should do?”
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Zara in this situation? Assume that each of the following responses would be said politely.
“I’m sure you will find it easier to pass the exams next time.”
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (a)
This is inappropriate. Although on the surface it may not seem a bad response. Realistically it is unhelpful and dismissive of Jacob’s concerns. He has expressed that he worked hard this time so simply dismissing that he would likely do better next time is unhelpful and possibly not true. It is not supportive, doesn't offer any practical help and is unlikely to be helpful to Jacob who has reached out and is upset. It is not awful as it appears to have been said with the right intentions, however it is unlikely to make Jacob feel better about himself.

Q.18. Zara is walking through the university campus when she sees fellow classmate, Jacob, who approaches her. Jacob is clearly upset and tells Zara “I’ve just found out that I did not pass all of my exams and I’m going to have to repeat this year if I want to stay on the course. I really worked hard and feel that even if I repeat this year, I will just fail again. I think it would be best if I quit university. What do you think I should do?”
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Zara in this situation? Assume that each of the following responses would be said politely.
“I think you should take some time to think about what you want to do before making any decisions.”
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (a)
This is very appropriate. Jacob, understandably, is upset having only just heard the news of his exam failure. It is likely that he is not thinking straight and is unlikely to make the right decisions about his future currently. Suggesting some time before readdressing the issue is appropriate, along with offering support at this time. 

Q.19. Hamza, a third year medical student, is working at the oncology department in a hospital. Skyla, the receptionist, tells him that she has received a letter from his patient’s GP. Hamza opens the letter and realises that it was sent four weeks ago. The letter contains important information regarding Hamza’s patient which is critical to the patient’s care. Hamza asks Skyla why the letter had not been brought to his attention earlier. Skyla explains that she did not had time to open the letter as she has taken on additional responsibilities due to staffing issues at the hospital.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Hamza in this situation?
Suggest to Skyla that she speak to her supervisor about her increasing workload
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (a)
It is very appropriate for Hamza to suggest to Skyla that she speak to her supervisor about her increasing workload because this is the appropriate course of action when raising concerns about workload. It is the role and responsibility of Skyla’s supervisor to assess her workload and support her to manage it accordingly or allocate resources to support her with managing the workload allocated to her.

Q.20. Hamza, a third year medical student, is working at the oncology department in a hospital. Skyla, the receptionist, tells him that she has received a letter from his patient’s GP. Hamza opens the letter and realises that it was sent four weeks ago. The letter contains important information regarding Hamza’s patient which is critical to the patient’s care. Hamza asks Skyla why the letter had not been brought to his attention earlier. Skyla explains that she did not had time to open the letter as she has taken on additional responsibilities due to staffing issues at the hospital.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Hamza in this situation?
Suggest to Skyla that she speak to her supervisor about her increasing workload
(a) A very appropriate thing to say
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to say

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Ask Skyla if there is anything he can do to help her manage her workload