Situational judgement test
Q: You are working a shift in a busy hospital ward. One of your patients, an elderly
woman, has been asking for help with getting out of bed. She is complaining of
discomfort and seems anxious about getting up. However, you are also aware that you
need to attend to another patient who requires medication immediately. What would
you do?
Ans: Tell the elderly woman that you’ll assist her as soon as you’ve finished giving the
medication to the other patient, ensuring she is comfortable in the meantime.
Q: You are caring for a patient who is recovering from surgery. They begin to show signs
of discomfort and ask for pain medication. Upon checking, you notice the patient has
already received their dose of medication recently. What should you do next
Ans: Offer the patient a non-medication option to alleviate their discomfort, such as
repositioning them or offering warm compresses.
Q: You are working in a team with several other healthcare professionals. One of your
colleagues is visibly upset and seems distracted while providing patient care. You
notice that this could potentially impact the quality of patient care. What should you
do?
Ans: Offer support to your colleague, asking if they would like to talk about what’s
bothering them, and suggest taking a short break together.
Q: You are assigned to administer medication to a patient. You double-check the
patient’s records and notice a discrepancy in their medication dosage compared to the
doctor’s orders. What should you do?
Ans: Inform the doctor immediately about the discrepancy and wait for clarification
before administering the medication.
Q: A patient expresses frustration and asks why their treatment plan seems to be
changing frequently. They are concerned about the lack of clear communication. How
would you respond?
Ans: Explain the reasons for the changes, listen to the patient’s concerns, and ensure
they feel informed and involved in their care plan.
Q: You are working a shift and a family member of a patient insists on staying with the
patient overnight, even though hospital policy restricts visitors after a certain time. The
family member becomes upset and argues that they need to stay to support their loved
one. What should you do?
Ans: Politely explain the hospital policy and ask the family member to leave, offering to
update them about the patient’s condition.
Q: You notice that one of your colleagues seems to be consistently arriving late to work,
which is affecting the team’s ability to provide optimal care. What should you do?
Ans: Speak to your colleague privately to express your concerns and ask if there’s
anything you can do to support them in improving punctuality
Q: A patient who has been receiving care for several days suddenly develops new
symptoms that are concerning. You are unsure whether these symptoms are related to
the patient’s condition or a side effect of their treatment. What should you do?
Ans: Immediately inform the doctor or healthcare provider about the new symptoms for
further evaluation.
Q: You are preparing to discharge a patient who is recovering from surgery, but they
express concerns about managing their care at home. They are unsure how to follow
their medication regimen and worry about potential complications. What should you
do?
Ans: Provide the patient with a clear, written discharge plan and ensure they understand
how to take their medications, follow up with their doctor, and whom to contact for any
questions or concerns.
Q: You are working on a busy shift, and you receive a request from another nurse to help
them with a patient who is in urgent need of assistance. At the same time, you are
caring for a patient who is becoming increasingly agitated and requires your attention.
What should you do?
Ans: Prioritize your agitated patient, as they may require immediate de-escalation, and
ask a colleague to help the other nurse.
Q:You are working a shift in a busy emergency department, and you are assigned to a
patient who is in severe pain due to a traumatic injury. Another nurse approaches you,
asking for assistance with a critical patient who requires immediate intervention. What
do you do?
Ans: Prioritize your own patient, but ask another colleague to help the nurse with the
critical patient.
Q:Scenario:
A patient in your care is not following their prescribed treatment plan. They repeatedly
refuse their medications, and you’re concerned about their recovery. What should you
do?
Ans: Talk to the patient to understand their reasons for refusing and offer alternatives or
reassurance.
Q: What would you do if a patient refuses to drink water/ take medicine?
Ans: If a patient refuses to drink water or take medicine, I would first ensure that I
understand the reasons behind their refusal. I would engage in a calm.I would explain
the importance of hydration and taking medication for their health, using clear and
simple language.During this situation I also respect my patient’s Autonomy
Q: why would you do if you had conflict with your professor?
Ans: If I had a conflict with my professor, I would first remain calm and respectful,
ensuring that I fully understand their perspective. I would approach the situation with a
willingness to listen and engage in open, constructive dialogue. I would express my
concerns or disagreements in a professional and non-confrontational manner, focusing
on the issue at hand
Q: How will you deal someone who is not satisfied with your patient care?
Ans: If a patient is not satisfied with my care, I would first listen carefully to their
concerns without interrupting, ensuring they feel heard and understood. I would
empathize with their feelings, acknowledging their discomfort or frustration. After
gaining a clear understanding of the issue, I would explain the steps I took in their care
and clarify any misunderstandings.
Q: Your superior nurse is being aggressive with a patient, how will you deal with this?
Ans: If I witnessed my superior nurse being aggressive with a patient, I would intervene
immediately to ensure the patient’s safety and well-being. I would approach the
situation calmly and assertively, stepping in to de-escalate the situation.
Q: What if you see an unethical practice from your superior nurse or practitioner?
Ans: If I observed an unethical practice by my superior nurse or practitioner, I would first
ensure the immediate safety and well-being of the patient involved. I would then
document the incident objectively, including any details that are relevant. I would
approach the situation calmly and, if appropriate, speak privately with the individual
involved, expressing my concerns and seeking clarification. My priority would always be
patient safety and upholding the standards of patient care.
Q: How will you deal with a patient who is having dehydration ?
Ans: If a patient is experiencing dehydration, I would first assess the severity of their
condition by evaluating their vital signs, symptoms, and overall hydration status. I would
then inform the patient about the importance of rehydration and explain the treatment
plan, which may involve providing fluids orally or, if necessary, administering
intravenous fluids under medical guidance
Q: How will you manage to submit an assignment within a short period of time in
addition to your busy schedule?
Ans: To manage submitting an assignment within a short period while balancing a busy
schedule, I would prioritize and organize my tasks efficiently. First, I would break the
assignment into smaller, manageable sections and set specific time blocks to complete
each part. I would minimize distractions and focus on one task at a time to maintain
productivity.
Q: A patient of yours died and his\her relatives are yelling at you. How will you manage
this situation?
Ans: If a patient of mine passed away and their relatives were yelling at me, I would
remain calm, composed, and empathetic, understanding that they are likely
experiencing intense grief and distress. I would listen to their concerns and
acknowledge their emotions, offering condolences for their loss.
Q: How will you communicate and care for a deaf and dump person?
Ans: I would first ensure that I create a comfortable and accessible environment. I
would try to use written communication, such as a notepad or tablet, to convey
important information clearly. If the person uses sign language, I would also pay
attention to non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language, to ensure I
understand their needs.
Q: How will you communicate with a patient who doesn’t know English?
Ans: I would first try to find a professional interpreter, either in-person or through a
phone/video service, to ensure accurate communication. If an interpreter is
unavailable, I would use simple gestures, pictures, or written instructions to help
convey basic information. I would also rely on translation apps, if appropriate, to assist
with communication.
Q: A patient is not receiving the support they need from other healthcare professionals
and you believe their condition is being overlooked.How would you advocate for patient
while maintaining professionalism and positive team dynamic?
Ans: I would first gather the necessary information to ensure I fully understand the
situation and the patient’s needs. I would then approach the team in a professional and
constructive manner, expressing my concerns calmly and respectfully.
Q: You are working as part of a multidisciplinary team, and you notice that one of your
colleagues is struggling to complete their assigned tasks. How would you address this
issue?
Ans: I would first assess the situation to understand the root cause of the difficulty. I
would consider whether they are overwhelmed, lacking resources, or experiencing
personal challenges. I would approach the colleague privately to offer support, asking if
they need help or if there’s anything I can do to assist.
Q: A family member is concerned about their loved one’s care plan, expressing doubts
about the treatment being provided. How would you approach the family to alleviate
their concerns while maintaining professional boundaries?
Ans: I would approach the situation with empathy and active listening. I would start by
acknowledging their concerns and expressing understanding of their desire to ensure
the best care for their loved one. I would then provide clear, honest information about
the care plan, explaining the rationale behind the treatment
Q: patient is prescribed a new medication, but you notice that the dosage on the
prescription seems higher than usual. You are about to administer the drug, but you’re
unsure. How would you handle this situation?
Ans: I would first pause and double-check the prescription carefully. I would review the
patient’s medical records and any relevant guidelines to verify if this dosage is
appropriate for their specific condition. If I remain unsure, I would consult with the
prescribing physician or a pharmacist to clarify the prescribed dosage before
administering the medication.
Here are all 30 situational
judgment test (SJT) questions,
numbered and arranged in order:
1. A patient is hard of hearing, and you need to explain a procedure.
Use written notes, pictures, or gestures. Face them while speaking clearly, or request a
sign language interpreter if needed.
2. A patient refuses to eat their prescribed diet.
Explain why the diet is important. Offer alternative foods that still meet their health
needs. Get a dietitian involved if needed.
3. A family member wants patient information, but you are unsure if they have permission.
Politely tell them you need to check for permission before sharing any details. Follow
hospital rules on patient privacy.
4. A patient is in a lot of pain, but their pain medication is not due yet.
Offer comfort measures like repositioning, a warm compress, or deep breathing
exercises. If pain is severe, inform the doctor.
5. A colleague gives the wrong dose of medication to a patient.
Report it right away, check on the patient for any bad effects, and follow hospital
procedures to fix the mistake.
6. A patient becomes aggressive and refuses treatment.
Stay calm and speak in a gentle voice. Try to understand their concerns. If needed, ask
for help from a supervisor or security.
7. A patient is crying and feeling hopeless after receiving bad news.
Sit with them, listen, and offer support. Let them know they are not alone and suggest
speaking to a counselor if needed.
8. You see a senior nurse not washing their hands between patients.
Politely remind them about hand hygiene. If they keep doing it, report it to a
supervisor to keep patients safe.
9. A patient’s vital signs suddenly drop, and the doctor is not there.
Call for emergency help right away. Start any life-saving steps you are trained to do,
like giving oxygen or CPR.
10. You have too many patients to handle properly.
Prioritize the most urgent cases, ask for help if possible, and inform your supervisor if it’s
unsafe.
11. A patient is scared of pain when you need to change their wound dressing.
Explain what you are doing and offer pain relief if possible. Work gently and reassure
them throughout.
12. A new nurse asks for help with a procedure, but you are very busy.
Help briefly if you can, or find someone else to assist. If it’s serious, make sure the patient
is safe first.
13. A patient is afraid to take their medication because of side effects.
Explain why the medication is needed and go over possible side effects. If they are still
unsure, ask the doctor for advice.
14. A patient asks for a treatment that is not in their care plan.
Explain why their current treatment is recommended. If they insist, let the doctor know.
15. A patient’s family wants them discharged early.
Explain that the doctor will decide when it is safe to leave. Reassure them that the
patient’s health comes first.
16. A doctor asks you to do a procedure you are not trained for.
Politely say that you are not qualified to do it. Ask for guidance or request another
trained person to do it.
17. A patient complains that another nurse was rude.
Listen to their concern, apologize for their bad experience, and report the issue to your
supervisor.
18. A patient with dementia is trying to leave the hospital.
Calmly guide them back to safety. Inform the healthcare team and take precautions to
prevent them from wandering.
19. A patient refuses to bathe, even though poor hygiene is affecting their health.
Respect their choice while explaining why hygiene is important. Offer help with bathing
or suggest easier alternatives like a sponge bath.
20. You suspect a patient is experiencing abuse, but they deny it.
Document any signs of abuse, offer support and resources, and report your concerns to
the proper authorities if needed.
21. A patient is afraid of getting a blood test.
Reassure them, explain why it is needed, and try to make them comfortable. Use a calm
tone and distraction techniques if needed.
22. A patient’s IV line is leaking, but you are busy with another task.
Quickly assess the IV site and, if needed, pause what you are doing to fix it. If you cannot,
ask another nurse for help.
23. A patient is constantly pressing the call button for small things.
Stay patient and listen to their concerns. Set clear expectations and check on them
regularly to reduce their anxiety.
24. A visitor is being loud and disturbing other patients.
Politely ask them to lower their voice to respect other patients. If they refuse, inform
security or a supervisor.
25. You notice that a medication you are about to give does not match the prescription.
Double-check the order, confirm with the doctor or pharmacist, and do not give the
medication until you are sure it is correct.
26. A patient is nervous about their upcoming surgery.
Listen to their concerns, answer their questions, and reassure them that the medical
team will take good care of them.
27. A patient is unable to move and needs help eating their food.
Assist them with eating while ensuring their dignity and comfort. Check if they need
special dietary modifications.
28. You see a patient trying to get out of bed alone, but they are at high risk of falling.
Gently stop them and offer assistance. Ensure fall-prevention measures like bed alarms
or call bells are in place.
29. A patient’s family is unhappy with the treatment plan and is arguing with the doctor.
Stay calm, listen to their concerns, and suggest a private discussion with the doctor to
resolve the issue.
30. A co-worker is overwhelmed with their tasks and asks for your help.
If possible, assist them while managing your own workload. If you are too busy, suggest
they ask a supervisor for support
