Doc 1- 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. Cillian is a dental student on placement at a dental surgery. Dr Rae is in the consulting room to perform a minor procedure on a 12 year old patient. The patient’s mother, Haniya, has attended to provide support and is in the consulting room waiting to observe the minor procedure. During the consent process, Dr Rae asks Haniya if it is OK for Cillian to assist him with the procedure. However, Haniya expresses concern over Cillian’s competency and lack of experience. Cillian has never had the opportunity to assist with this particular procedure and does not want to miss out on such a valuable learning experience, but he does not want to upset Haniya.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Cillian in this situation?
Ask Haniya if there is anything that he can do to reassure her
(a) A very appropriate thing to do
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to do

Correct Answer is Option (b)
This is an appropriate but not ideal response. Although it appears to be reasonable for Cillian to ask what he can do to assure her, when considered in the context of the four pillars of medical ethics (beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy and justice), the lack of an altruistic agenda with the best interest of the patient and their family is evident. Dental professionals must put patients’ interests first.
Beneficence and non-maleficence – this response does not have the best interest of the patient and their family as a priority as it does not acknowledge the mother’s concern about his competency at a worrying time for a parent – a young child needing a dental procedure. Autonomy – this response may be interpreted as undermining her right as the parent of an underage child to make a decision about the care of her child. Justice – this response reflects a potential conflict of interest in this case because instead of considering the circumstances and prioritising the needs of the patient and their family, Cillian is focusing on the loss of the learning opportunity by not being able to assist in the procedure, which is unfair to the patient and their family. It is important to note that all dental professionals, including trainees, must put patients’ interests before their own.

Q.2. Cillian is a dental student on placement at a dental surgery. Dr Rae is in the consulting room to perform a minor procedure on a 12 year old patient. The patient’s mother, Haniya, has attended to provide support and is in the consulting room waiting to observe the minor procedure. During the consent process, Dr Rae asks Haniya if it is OK for Cillian to assist him with the procedure. However, Haniya expresses concern over Cillian’s competency and lack of experience. Cillian has never had the opportunity to assist with this particular procedure and does not want to miss out on such a valuable learning experience, but he does not want to upset Haniya.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Cillian in this situation?
Ask Haniya if she would prefer someone else to assist with the procedure
(a) A very appropriate thing to do
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to do

Correct Answer is Option (a)
It is very appropriate to ask Haniya if she would prefer someone else to assist with the procedure because dental professionals must be sensitive to individual needs and values, and patients should be listened to and have their preferences and concerns taken into account. Additionally, dental professionals must discuss treatment options with patients and listen carefully to what they say. Therefore, Haniya must be given the opportunity to express her preference about treatment options for her child as it is her legal and statutory right as a parent to do so.

Q.3. Cillian is a dental student on placement at a dental surgery. Dr Rae is in the consulting room to perform a minor procedure on a 12 year old patient. The patient’s mother, Haniya, has attended to provide support and is in the consulting room waiting to observe the minor procedure. During the consent process, Dr Rae asks Haniya if it is OK for Cillian to assist him with the procedure. However, Haniya expresses concern over Cillian’s competency and lack of experience. Cillian has never had the opportunity to assist with this particular procedure and does not want to miss out on such a valuable learning experience, but he does not want to upset Haniya.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Cillian in this situation?
Explain to Haniya that this is a valuable learning opportunity for him
(a) A very appropriate thing to do
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to do

Correct Answer is Option (b)
It is appropriate but not ideal to explain to Haniya that this is a valuable learning opportunity for him. Although it may seem reasonable to explain the value of the learning opportunity for a dental student, such a response or action is potentially putting Cillian’s interests above the best interest of the patient and their parent. This action could inadvertently place unnecessary pressure and stress on Haniya at a time when as a parent, she may be very stressed or worried about the wellbeing of her child having a dental procedure. Dental professionals must be sensitive to patients' individual needs and values, ensuring that patients are listened to and have their preferences and concerns taken into account. Additionally, all dental professionals must put patients’ interests before their own or those of any colleague. Therefore, although it may be appropriate to make the request, in this case it is not ideal.

Q.4. Cillian is a dental student on placement at a dental surgery. Dr Rae is in the consulting room to perform a minor procedure on a 12 year old patient. The patient’s mother, Haniya, has attended to provide support and is in the consulting room waiting to observe the minor procedure. During the consent process, Dr Rae asks Haniya if it is OK for Cillian to assist him with the procedure. However, Haniya expresses concern over Cillian’s competency and lack of experience. Cillian has never had the opportunity to assist with this particular procedure and does not want to miss out on such a valuable learning experience, but he does not want to upset Haniya.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Cillian in this situation?
Ask Dr Rae to reassure Haniya regarding her concerns
(a) A very appropriate thing to do
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to do

Correct Answer is Option (b)
It is appropriate but not ideal for Cillian to ask Dr Rae to reassure Haniya regarding her concerns. Although it may appear reasonable to provide reassurance about Cillian’s ability to assist in the procedure, it is important to consider the impact of this on Haniya and her child. It is also important that Dr Rae’s response or actions cannot be interpreted as an attempt to undermine or ignore Haniya’s concerns, especially as Cillian is an inexperienced dental student when it comes to this particular procedure, therefore making Haniya’s concerns valid. Patients should be listened to and have their preferences and concerns considered. It is also important to note that all dental professionals must put patients’ interests before their own or those of any colleague. Therefore, Cillian’s need to take part in this potential learning opportunity must be considered secondary to Haniya’s concern about his involvement in the procedure.

Q.5. Cillian is a dental student on placement at a dental surgery. Dr Rae is in the consulting room to perform a minor procedure on a 12 year old patient. The patient’s mother, Haniya, has attended to provide support and is in the consulting room waiting to observe the minor procedure. During the consent process, Dr Rae asks Haniya if it is OK for Cillian to assist him with the procedure. However, Haniya expresses concern over Cillian’s competency and lack of experience. Cillian has never had the opportunity to assist with this particular procedure and does not want to miss out on such a valuable learning experience, but he does not want to upset Haniya.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Cillian in this situation?
Ask the patient if they are comfortable with him assisting with the procedure
(a) A very appropriate thing to do
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to do

Correct Answer is Option (d)
This is a very inappropriate thing to do. It is very inappropriate for Cillian to ask the patient if he is comfortable with him completing the procedure because he is overstepping his professional boundaries as a trainee dental professional to go against the expressed wishes of Haniya as a parent. Haniya’s reluctance for Cillian to assist with the procedure must be considered. Whilst it is important to obtain valid consent, all dental professionals must also make sure that patients or their representatives, understand the decisions they are being asked to make and take this into consideration.

Q.6. Cillian is a dental student on placement at a dental surgery. Dr Rae is in the consulting room to perform a minor procedure on a 12 year old patient. The patient’s mother, Haniya, has attended to provide support and is in the consulting room waiting to observe the minor procedure. During the consent process, Dr Rae asks Haniya if it is OK for Cillian to assist him with the procedure. However, Haniya expresses concern over Cillian’s competency and lack of experience. Cillian has never had the opportunity to assist with this particular procedure and does not want to miss out on such a valuable learning experience, but he does not want to upset Haniya.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Cillian in this situation?
Ask Haniya if she would like to discuss her concerns in more detail
(a) A very appropriate thing to do
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to do

Correct Answer is Option (a)
It is very appropriate to ask Haniya if she would like to discuss her concerns in more detail as it is very important for healthcare professionals to understand the needs and concerns of their patients. More detail may cover any anxieties Haniya may have, and the team can add them to considerations to address relating to her child’s episode of care and/or ongoing management. Dental professionals must communicate effectively with patients – listen to them, give them time to consider information and take their individual views and communication needs into account. By doing so, dental professionals recognise and promote patients’ rights to and responsibilities for making decisions about their health priorities and care.

Q.7. Gary is a medical student, completing a placement in an outpatient clinic. His next patient is 18-year-old Rachel, who has a significant heart condition. Rachel had surgery 2 years ago to insert a metal heart valve and because of this, she needs to take blood thinners. She needs to have monthly blood tests to ensure that she is taking the right amount of the blood thinners, as if not, this could have serious consequences. Gary notices that there are no blood test results for the past 2 months in Rachel’s notes. Rachel confirms that she missed the blood test appointments, because she "does not feel that they are necessary".
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Gary in this situation?
Tell Rachel that it is important that she attends her blood test appointments
(a) A very appropriate thing to do
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to do

Correct Answer is Option (b)
This is an appropriate, but not ideal response. People do not respond well to just being told things. There are obviously reasons why Rachel has missed her tests and her ideas, concerns and hesitancy need exploring.

Q.8. Gary is a medical student, completing a placement in an outpatient clinic. His next patient is 18-year-old Rachel, who has a significant heart condition. Rachel had surgery 2 years ago to insert a metal heart valve and because of this, she needs to take blood thinners. She needs to have monthly blood tests to ensure that she is taking the right amount of the blood thinners, as if not, this could have serious consequences. Gary notices that there are no blood test results for the past 2 months in Rachel’s notes. Rachel confirms that she missed the blood test appointments, because she "does not feel that they are necessary".
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Gary in this situation?
Ask Rachel if there is anything that is stopping her from attending the blood test appointments
(a) A very appropriate thing to do
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to do

Correct Answer is Option (a)
This is a very appropriate response. Asking her what her barriers are in a non-judgemental way is likely to allow Rachel to feel confidence and safe to open up about her reasons, these can then be explored together. This approach is more likely to improve doctor–patient trust and likely to lead to a positive outcome for both.

Q.9. Gary is a medical student, completing a placement in an outpatient clinic. His next patient is 18-year-old Rachel, who has a significant heart condition. Rachel had surgery 2 years ago to insert a metal heart valve and because of this, she needs to take blood thinners. She needs to have monthly blood tests to ensure that she is taking the right amount of the blood thinners, as if not, this could have serious consequences. Gary notices that there are no blood test results for the past 2 months in Rachel’s notes. Rachel confirms that she missed the blood test appointments, because she "does not feel that they are necessary".
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Gary in this situation?
Ask Rachel if she understands why she needs to have the blood tests
(a) A very appropriate thing to do
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to do

Correct Answer is Option (a)
This is a very appropriate thing to do. Understanding patient’s motives for their decisions is important. She will likely have genuine reasons for her hesitancy or may not have a full understanding of why the blood tests are so important. Exploring her current understanding in a non-judgemental way is a good starting point.

Q.10. Gary is a medical student, completing a placement in an outpatient clinic. His next patient is 18-year-old Rachel, who has a significant heart condition. Rachel had surgery 2 years ago to insert a metal heart valve and because of this, she needs to take blood thinners. She needs to have monthly blood tests to ensure that she is taking the right amount of the blood thinners, as if not, this could have serious consequences. Gary notices that there are no blood test results for the past 2 months in Rachel’s notes. Rachel confirms that she missed the blood test appointments, because she "does not feel that they are necessary".
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Gary in this situation?
Ask Rachel why she does not feel that attending the blood test appointments is necessary
(a) A very appropriate thing to do
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to do

Correct Answer is Option (a)
This is a very appropriate response. Instead of “telling’’ Rachel, asking her reasons is likely to start a dialogue of trust between patient and doctor/student doctor. This is likely to lead to more detailed answers and explanation as to what her hesitancies are, which can then be addressed. This also gives the doctor/student chance to explain their reasons clearly for having the tests to ensure she is fully informed.

Q.11. Gary is a medical student, completing a placement in an outpatient clinic. His next patient is 18-year-old Rachel, who has a significant heart condition. Rachel had surgery 2 years ago to insert a metal heart valve and because of this, she needs to take blood thinners. She needs to have monthly blood tests to ensure that she is taking the right amount of the blood thinners, as if not, this could have serious consequences. Gary notices that there are no blood test results for the past 2 months in Rachel’s notes. Rachel confirms that she missed the blood test appointments, because she "does not feel that they are necessary".
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Gary in this situation?
Ask a senior colleague to explain to Rachel the importance of having the blood tests
(a) A very appropriate thing to do
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to do

Correct Answer is Option (a)
This is a very appropriate response. Gary has recognised how important it is that Rachel needs these tests and maybe feels that the conversation needs to be had between a senior colleague to ensure that the correct information is relayed. He may have identified himself that he does not have all the information and does not want to give Rachel incorrect facts. He is asking the senior to ‘explain’ rather than ‘tell’ which is an important differentiation.

Q.12. Gary is a medical student, completing a placement in an outpatient clinic. His next patient is 18-year-old Rachel, who has a significant heart condition. Rachel had surgery 2 years ago to insert a metal heart valve and because of this, she needs to take blood thinners. She needs to have monthly blood tests to ensure that she is taking the right amount of the blood thinners, as if not, this could have serious consequences. Gary notices that there are no blood test results for the past 2 months in Rachel’s notes. Rachel confirms that she missed the blood test appointments, because she "does not feel that they are necessary".
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Gary in this situation?
Tell Rachel that she should cancel the blood test appointments if she is not going to attend in future
(a) A very appropriate thing to do
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to do

Correct Answer is Option (d)
This is a very inappropriate thing to do. These blood tests are essential, so they are not going to be stopped or taken away. Patients should be treated with empathy. Patients will not respond well to this sort of paternalistic attitude. It will likely breakdown the trust between Rachel and healthcare professionals, which could have serious health consequences further than the blood tests.

Q.13. Kelly, a medical student, is completing a placement on a busy admissions ward. Today she is shadowing a senior doctor, Dr Lambert, who has just admitted a patient with weakness in one leg. Dr Lambert has suggested that the most likely diagnosis is a stroke. Kelly is aware that staff on the ward often find Dr Lambert intimidating. One of the physiotherapists informs Kelly that there is a more likely alternative diagnosis for the patient. She asks Kelly to explain this to Dr Lambert, as he appears to be very busy.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Kelly in this situation?
Suggest that the physiotherapist speaks to Dr Lambert directly
(a) A very appropriate thing to do
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to do

Correct Answer is Option (a)
This is a very appropriate thing to do. Kelly has been put in a very difficult situation here. The physiotherapist, who is a trained healthcare professional, needs to raise her concerns with Dr Lambert directly, not indirectly through the student, who at this stage is unqualified. Taking the information could lead to confusion and communication breakdown, which could lead to patient harm. Therefore, asking the physiotherapist to speak directly to Dr Lambert is very appropriate.

Q.14. Kelly, a medical student, is completing a placement on a busy admissions ward. Today she is shadowing a senior doctor, Dr Lambert, who has just admitted a patient with weakness in one leg. Dr Lambert has suggested that the most likely diagnosis is a stroke. Kelly is aware that staff on the ward often find Dr Lambert intimidating. One of the physiotherapists informs Kelly that there is a more likely alternative diagnosis for the patient. She asks Kelly to explain this to Dr Lambert, as he appears to be very busy.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Kelly in this situation?
Ask the physiotherapist why she does not want to speak with Dr Lambert directly
(a) A very appropriate thing to do
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to do

Correct Answer is Option (b)
This is an appropriate, but not ideal response. Asking for more information is always a good starting point. However, leaving it at that does not resolve the issue. Although Kelly has been put in a difficult position, the ideal response is to ensure that the physiotherapist's information is communicated back to Dr Lambert sooner rather than later if it will affect patient care.

Q.15. Kelly, a medical student, is completing a placement on a busy admissions ward. Today she is shadowing a senior doctor, Dr Lambert, who has just admitted a patient with weakness in one leg. Dr Lambert has suggested that the most likely diagnosis is a stroke. Kelly is aware that staff on the ward often find Dr Lambert intimidating. One of the physiotherapists informs Kelly that there is a more likely alternative diagnosis for the patient. She asks Kelly to explain this to Dr Lambert, as he appears to be very busy.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Kelly in this situation?
Ask the physiotherapist for more information so that she can share this with Dr Lambert
(a) A very appropriate thing to do
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to do

Correct Answer is Option (b)
This is an appropriate, but not ideal response. Asking for more information is always a good starting point. However, this is not ideal with the student being used as a middleman in communication, which is undoubtedly going to lead to errors in communication.

Q.16. Kelly, a medical student, is completing a placement on a busy admissions ward. Today she is shadowing a senior doctor, Dr Lambert, who has just admitted a patient with weakness in one leg. Dr Lambert has suggested that the most likely diagnosis is a stroke. Kelly is aware that staff on the ward often find Dr Lambert intimidating. One of the physiotherapists informs Kelly that there is a more likely alternative diagnosis for the patient. She asks Kelly to explain this to Dr Lambert, as he appears to be very busy.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Kelly in this situation?
Agree that Dr Lambert is busy so it is better that neither of them approach him
(a) A very appropriate thing to do
(b) Appropriate, but not ideal
(c) Inappropriate, but not awful
(d) A very inappropriate thing to do

Correct Answer is Option (d)
This is a very inappropriate response. Patient care and ultimately safety are in question here. The physiotherapist is a trained professional whose diagnostic opinion is important. Choosing not to have a difficult conversation may seem like an easy option, but it will negatively affect patient care.

Q.17. Maxime is completing a placement in the emergency department where earlier a child, Josie, was admitted. Josie is allergic to peanuts and her teenage brother, Sasha, who was looking after her at the time, gave her a biscuit that he did not realise contained peanuts. Josie has been treated and is now waiting with her parents to be discharged. Maxime finds Sasha sitting in the corridor crying. Sasha tells Maxime that he is very upset with himself and fears that his parents will never trust him again.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Maxime in this situation? Assume that each of the following responses would be said politely.
“The important thing is to learn from the situation.”
(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 the need to be careful when supervising a child with nut allergies due to potentially life-threatening reaction(s) should be highlighted to Sasha. Reflecting on his actions and future actions if the situation were to arise again, is a valuable way to learn from mistakes in order not to repeat the same action in the future. It is also important that the teenager understands his responsibilities, particularly those pertaining to looking after his sister properly.

Q.18. Maxime is completing a placement in the emergency department where earlier a child, Josie, was admitted. Josie is allergic to peanuts and her teenage brother, Sasha, who was looking after her at the time, gave her a biscuit that he did not realise contained peanuts. Josie has been treated and is now waiting with her parents to be discharged. Maxime finds Sasha sitting in the corridor crying. Sasha tells Maxime that he is very upset with himself and fears that his parents will never trust him again.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Maxime in this situation? Assume that each of the following responses would be said politely.
“I’m sure you didn’t give her peanuts on purpose, there is no need to be upset.”
(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 to reassure the distressed teenager as it is important to acknowledge that his actions were not deliberate, and he did not intend to cause harm to his sister.

Q.19. Maxime is completing a placement in the emergency department where earlier a child, Josie, was admitted. Josie is allergic to peanuts and her teenage brother, Sasha, who was looking after her at the time, gave her a biscuit that he did not realise contained peanuts. Josie has been treated and is now waiting with her parents to be discharged. Maxime finds Sasha sitting in the corridor crying. Sasha tells Maxime that he is very upset with himself and fears that his parents will never trust him again.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Maxime in this situation? Assume that each of the following responses would be said politely.
“I’m sure your parents will still trust 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 (d)
This is a very inappropriate thing to say. Although it is important to reassure the teenager, particularly as he is distressed, it is inappropriate and unprofessional to provide false assurances because Maxime cannot predict the reaction, future actions or thoughts of the parents in relation to the incident. Honesty and integrity are important personal and professional values in the medical profession.

Q.20. Maxime is completing a placement in the emergency department where earlier a child, Josie, was admitted. Josie is allergic to peanuts and her teenage brother, Sasha, who was looking after her at the time, gave her a biscuit that he did not realise contained peanuts. Josie has been treated and is now waiting with her parents to be discharged. Maxime finds Sasha sitting in the corridor crying. Sasha tells Maxime that he is very upset with himself and fears that his parents will never trust him again.
Q. How appropriate are each of the following responses by Maxime in this situation? Assume that each of the following responses would be said politely.
“Your parents would be silly not to trust you after one incident.”
(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 as although this response is intending to provide reassurance, which is important when a young person is distressed, the response infers judgement which is behaviour that health professionals should not indulge in; medical professionals are expected to approach situations with a non-judgemental attitude in order to develop good working relationships with patients and colleagues.
The response also suggests knowledge of someone else’s future thoughts, feelings and behaviours which are unpredictable. This is an appropriate but not ideal thing to say, as it could be inferred that the response underplays the severity of the incident, this response does not appear to take into consideration, the emotional distress that the patient and her parents have experienced as a result of the incident. "