PLAB 1 (GMC, international medical graduates) · Ethics, law and professionalism

Consent and capacity

12 practice questions, each with the answer and an explanation.

Practise Consent and capacity now

Random questions from this topic, one at a time. You see the answer and the explanation straight after each one.

All 12 questions

  1. A 38-year-old woman who is a Jehovah's Witness has a life-threatening postpartum haemorrhage. She is conscious, has capacity and says clearly that she refuses blood products. What should the doctor do…
  2. An unconscious 45-year-old man arrives in the emergency department after a road traffic collision and needs a life-saving operation. No relatives can be reached and no advance decision is known. On wh…
  3. A 72-year-old man with advanced lung disease has a written statement, signed and witnessed, refusing ventilation 'even if my life is at risk'. He is now unconscious and in respiratory failure. What is…
  4. A 55-year-old woman is about to undergo elective surgery with a small risk of permanent hand numbness. She is a professional violinist. How does the Montgomery judgment affect disclosure?
  5. A 78-year-old woman with dementia has been admitted with a hip fracture and needs surgery. Her son says, 'I am her next of kin so I consent'. He holds no lasting power of attorney. What is the positio…
  6. A 68-year-old man on a medical ward refuses a blood test. He is disorientated to place and time but can explain in his own words why he does not want it and the consequences. What applies?
  7. A 24-year-old woman with severe anorexia nervosa (BMI 12) refuses nasogastric feeding. She says she is not ill. Her organ function is deteriorating. What is a lawful option?
  8. An 82-year-old man who lacks capacity and has no family or friends needs a decision about moving to a care home. Which safeguard applies?
  9. A 15-year-old girl asks for emergency contraception and does not want her parents told. She understands the information. Which framework guides the doctor?
  10. A doctor wants to place a DNACPR order for a competent 80-year-old patient with end-stage heart failure but fears the conversation will upset him. What is the correct approach?
  11. A terminally ill, competent patient asks his doctor to prescribe a lethal dose of medicines to end his life. In England and Wales, how should the doctor respond?
  12. An adult who has not recorded any wish about organ donation dies on an intensive care unit in England. What is the legal position about consent?

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