✅ SJT Question Answer & Explanation ⏪ Recap You’re a final-year medical student on placement. A junior doctor asks you to take blood from a patient. You’ve never done this unsupervised. The doctor says, “It’s fine, just go for it — it’s easy.” ❓Question How appropriate are the following actions? 1. Politely decline and explain you haven’t done this unsupervised before. ✔️ Very Appropriate - ✅ Why? This shows self-awareness, honesty, and prioritisation of patient safety — all core values in the GMC’s Good Medical Practice. - 💡 Tip: UCAT rewards clear communication and knowing your limits as a student. Always be honest and transparent if you’re unsure. 2. Attempt the blood draw to avoid letting the doctor down. ❌ Inappropriate - 🚫 Why? You’re risking patient safety to appease a colleague. This shows poor judgement, lack of confidence in boundaries, and puts both you and the patient at risk. - 💡 Tip: Don’t prioritise hierarchy over safety in SJT questions. “Not letting someone down” is never more important than doing what’s right. 3. Ask the nurse on the ward to supervise you instead. ✔️ Appropriate - ✅ Why? This shows initiative and a desire to complete the task safely. It’s not the best option (nurses may not be able to supervise), but it’s a reasonable alternative. - 💡 Tip: The best answers in UCAT SJT usually involve asking for support, supervision, or deferring to a senior. 4. Say nothing, pretend to be confident, and try anyway. ❌ Very Inappropriate - 🚫 Why? This is deceptive and dangerous. You lack the competence, and pretending otherwise compromises trust and safety. - 💡 Tip: If the question involves dishonesty, faking competence, or hiding inexperience, it’s almost always very inappropriate. 🧠 Summary Tips for UCAT Situational Judgement (SJT) - 🛡️ Patient safety > everything else - 🗣️ Be honest and communicate concerns clearly - 🧍‍♂️ Know your level and your boundaries - 🙋‍♂️ Seek supervision or escalate appropriately - ❌ Never do something you’re not trained or allowed to do