Practice Scenarios: Patient Safety and Escalation (10 Full Worked Scenarios)

This final lesson brings together everything from the course into 10 full worked scenarios. Each scenario is followed by a detailed analysis using the SAFE framework, with ratings and reasoning for each option. Work through each scenario yourself before reading the analysis.

---

How to Use These Practice Scenarios

1. Read the scenario carefully — note every detail
2. Apply the SAFE framework — Spot the risk, Act appropriately, Follow the right path, Ensure follow-up
3. Rate each option yourself before reading the analysis
4. Review the reasoning — understand WHY each option is rated the way it is
5. Identify patterns — the same principles recur across scenarios

---

Scenario 1: The Unlabelled Syringe

You are a medical student observing in theatre. The anaesthetist steps out briefly and asks the operating department practitioner (ODP) to "push the white syringe." You notice there are three unlabelled white syringes on the anaesthetic tray.

Rate each action:

A) Ask the ODP to wait until the anaesthetist returns to confirm which syringe is correct.