Clinical Skills

Question 1

How to gain informed consent for a BP/BGL check

Answer 1

Explain exactly what you are doing and why, explain what Pt may feel, get verbal/written (if <18) consent

Question 2

What to do if you don’t understand Pt notes

Answer 2

Ask a more qualified colleague/supervisor, check credible medical textbook/dictionary, check workplace policies/procedures

Question 3

What to do if you get an error on a VS measurement?

Answer 3

Explain to Pt there has been an error, ask for consent to do it again, check equipment isn’t faulty, ask someone else to do it

Question 4

How to maintain Pt confidentiality

Answer 4

Make sure no one else is listening when discussing private info, don’t leave notes lying around, only pass on info to those that need to know, talk quietly, only discuss relevant/appropriate info, use passwords if electronic notes, turn notes upside down etc

Question 5

What is consent and what are the 2 types?

Answer 5

When someone gives permission to another person to do something based on their knowledge of what it involves, risks, benefits and consequences of refusal.
- INFORMED: directly agree e.g. saying yes or signing an agreement
- IMPLIED: not explicitly stated but indicated actions e.g. holding arm out for BP/ thumbs up etc.

Question 6

4 criteria for informed consent

Answer 6

1. Person must have capacity to give consent
2. Consent must be freely given
3. Consent must be specific to procedure
4. Pt must be informed in a way they can understand

Question 7

What may impact a Pt’s ability to give informed consent?

Answer 7

Consciousness, drugs/alcohol, cognitive ability e.g. age, cognitive disabilities

Question 8

When is consent not required?

Answer 8

To save life, prevent serious injury, significant pain or distress

Question 9

What are the rules for consent regarding children?

Answer 9

• Parents must give consent for children under 16
• ‘Mature minors’ can give consent if they demonstrate sufficient understanding of treatment

Question 10

What cultural factors may impact a Pt’s willingness to consent?

Answer 10

Religion, poor past experiences, language barrier

Question 11

What should you do before a Pt consultation?

Answer 11

Clean equipment, gather equipment, PPE, read Pt file

Question 12

What should you do during a Pt consultation?

Answer 12

Take measurements, give instructions to Pt, monitor Pt progress

Question 13

What should you do after a Pt consultation?

Answer 13

Cleaning, correct disposal of waste, put equipment away safely, document session in Pt file

Question 14

Most important consideration when discussing serious results with someone under 18

Answer 14

Ensure parents are present