Speaking Roleplays

SPEAKING SUB-TEST
OET PRACTICE 2008
ROLE PLAYER'S CARD NO. 1 NURSING
SETTING Maternity Ward
PATIENT You are in hospital for delivery of your third child by Caesarean Section, when you are
also diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. You have severe pain in your wrists and
shoulders, and you are feeling very fatigued, as the pain is disturbing your sleep. You are
worried about using any medication while breastfeeding.
TASK - Complain to the nurse about your pain but insist on not taking any oral
medications for the pain or sleeping problems.
- Express your fear that the medication may harm your baby and you are
determined to breastfeed the baby.
- Firmly insist on using a natural gel product which contains capsaicin and is
reputed to help with pain relief. Be very agitated by the nurse's insistence on
prescribed medication.
- Ask how soon you should expect to be able to go home.
OET PRACTICE 2008
CANDIDATE'S CARD NO. 1 NURSING
SETTING Maternity Ward
NURSE This 41 year-old patient is in hospital for delivery of her third child by Caesarean Section,
when she is also diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. She has severe pain in her wrists
and shoulders and is feeling very fatigued, as the pain is disturbing her sleep. She is
worried about breastfeeding whilst using any medications.
TASK - Respond sympathetically to the patient's demands and questions.
- Explain the reasons for the oral medication prescribed by her/ his doctor and try
to persuade the patient to take this medication.
- Reassure the patient of the safety of the oral medication. Try to calm the patient
down by suggesting other ways to also cope with the pain (hot/cold pack, arrange
for friend/relative support, review by doctor).
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SPEAKING SUB-TEST
OET PRACTICE 2008
SETTING Hospital ward
PATIENT As a 72 year-old patient you have developed a urinary tract infection after you underwent
surgery 4 days ago for cancer of the colon. You were commenced on an antibiotic
(trimethoprin) and Ural. You live with your husband, who has chronic obstructive airways
disease and is partially blind and very reliant on you. Despite your condition, he is your
biggest concern as he is currently home alone.
TASK - Ask questions about how long you need to take medication, how long you will
need to stay in hospital, and whether chemotherapy will be dangerous at your
age.
- Answer the nurse's questions and explain that you had an episode of
unconsciousness and were not feeling well for a few months, lacking energy and
tiring quickly.
- Express concern about staying in hospital as your husband is home alone and
relies on you for help. Be very worried about this.
OET PRACTICE 2008
SETTING Hospital Ward
NURSE This 72 year-old patient has developed a urinary tract infection after he/she underwent
surgery 4 days ago for cancer of the colon. She was commenced on an antibiotic
(trimethoprin) and Ural. The patient lives with his wife/her husband, who has chronic
obstructive airways disease and is partially blind and very reliant on you. He/She is
concerned about a prolonged stay as her husband/his wife is home alone.
TASK - Answer the patient's questions in a reassuring manner.
- Ask the patient about his/her general health over the last six months and how
he/ she has been coping at home.
- Sympathise with the patient and try to calm them down by offering home help for
the care of the patient's husband/wife. Give advice about diet and lifestyle to
assist the patient to cope better.
SPEAKING SUB-TEST
OET PRACTICE 2008
SETTING Day Clinic
PATIENT You are a 52 year-old who has recently returned to Australia after a year away. Whilst
overseas, you were involved in a traffic accident and suffered a head injury. Today the
doctor has diagnosed you with post-traumatic epilepsy. You have been advised to take
medication to help prevent further attacks.
TASK - Answer the nurse's questions and explain that since your traffic accident you
have had a history of recurrent blackouts. Prior to the attacks, you have
headaches and afterwards, you feel lethargic and less alert than usual.
- Ask how long you will need to take medication and what the risks of the
medication are. Ask about epilepsy and the implications of epilepsy on a travelling
lifestyle.
- Be concerned about longterm use of the suggested medication and be reluctant

to accept what the nurse is telling you. You have heard that the medication can
prevent travel in some countries that you wish to travel to in the future.
OET PRACTICE 2008
SETTING Day Clinic
NURSE This 52 year-old patient has recently returned to Australia after a year away. Whilst
overseas, he/she was involved in a traffic accident and suffered a head injury. Today the
doctor has diagnosed him/her with post-traumatic epilepsy and advised him/her to take
medication to help prevent further attacks. The doctor told the patient
TASK - Sympathetically ask the patient how she/ he has been feeling since the traffic
accident.
- Answer the patient's questions and reassure her/ him of the safety of the
prescribed medication. Explain that because it is usual to continue medication
until there have been no seizures for at least four years, it is possibly a lifelong
course of medication.
- Explain that the headaches and blackouts can be effectively and safely controlled
by the medication and enable a person to lead a normal lifestyle.
- Reassure the patient that her/ his travel plans will not be affected by
medication. Offer them some literature about epilepsy and support services
available.
SPEAKING SUB-TEST
OET PRACTICE 2008
PATIENT You are 67 years old and have been admitted to hospital for balloon angioplasty. Six
months previously, you had a coronary artery bypass graft, from which you made a good
recovery. This admission, there is obstruction to the coronary arteries by further
atherosclerotic deposits. You have lived on your own since your wife’s/husband's death
three years ago.
TASK - Answer the nurse's questions and explain that you get most of your nutrition from
take away food. You have cut down on cigarettes from 20 to 10 a day. You don't
exercise out of fear of further heart problems. You have a son who lives on the
other side of town.
- Tell the nurse you fear for your health and ask for advice about lifestyle
improvements.
OET PRACTICE 2008
NURSE A 67 year-old patient is admitted to hospital for balloon angioplasty. Six months ago
he/she had a coronary artery bypass graft, from which he/she made a good recovery.
Now there is obstruction to the coronary arteries by further atherosclerotic deposits.
His/Her current medical history indicates that he may need to look at lifestyle changes.
He/She has lived on their own since his wife’s/ her husband's death three years ago.
TASK - Ask the patient about his/her diet, exercise, smoking and drinking habits, and any
support networks of family and/or friends.
- Reassure the patient that lifestyle changes can be made easily. Emphasise the
importance of moderate exercise and eating healthier foods.
- Discuss exercise options such as walking or lawn bowls and setting achievable
goals for dietary improvements (eg. start by cooking once a week, avoid
unhealthy foods when grocery shopping).
SPEAKING SUB-TEST
OET PRACTICE 2008
PATIENT You are 29 year-old nullipara woman suffering from persistent vomiting and dehydration.
You have been diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum and admitted to hospital. You
have commenced on IV therapy, complete bed rest, and IV pyridoxine. Ongoing treatment
includes an oral anti-emetic to continue until the end of the second trimester. Your
husband is in the waiting room.
Nullipara: a woman who has not given birth to a viable infant
TASK - Ask the nurse to explain what hyperemesis gravidarum is and what
the implications are for the baby.
- Display anxiety and persist with questions about your medication -

you have not taken any medication to date as you fear harm to the baby.
- Further express anxiety about losing this baby.
OET PRACTICE 2008
NURSE This 29 year-old nullipara woman is diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum

and admitted to hospital. She is commenced on IV therapy, complete bed rest, and IV
pyridoxine. Ongoing treatment includes an oral anti-emetic to continue until the end of the
second trimester.
Nullipara: a woman who has not given birth to a viable infant
TASK - Answer the patient's questions. Explain that hyperemesis gravidarum

is an abnormal condition of pregnancy associated with prolonged vomiting, weight
loss and fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Her case is not severe and the doctor
expects she will recover fully and deliver a healthy baby.
- Reassure the patient that the medication will not harm her baby. Ask if
she would like to see her husband for some emotional support.
- Ensure all the patient's concerns are dealt with.
SPEAKING SUB-TEST
OET PRACTICE 2008
SETTING Intensive Care Unit
PATIENT You are a 67 year-old, hospitalized for exacerbation of chronic obstructive airways
disease. You are worried and anxious about your husband/ wife who collapsed while
visiting you. He/ She complained of sudden chest pain and then fainted. He/ She had
mentioned he/ she had calf pain in the left leg over the previous week. A pulmonary
angiogram revealed a large clot and so an urgent embolectomy was performed.
Afterwards, he/ she was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit in a stable condition.
TASK - Be very anxious. Ask why your husband/ wife had to have an operation.
- Ask the nurse what could have caused the clot. Is this normal for a man/ woman
in their sixties?
- Ask how the risk of clots can be minimsed.
- Ask how long it will be before your husband/ wife can be taken home.
OET PRACTICE 2008
SETTING Intensive Care Unit
NURSE The patient is a 67 year-old, hospitalized for exacerbation of chronic obstructive airways
disease. She/ He is worried and anxious about her husband/ his wife who collapsed while
visiting her/ him. Her husband/ His wife complained of sudden chest pain and then
fainted. He/ She had mentioned he/ she had calf pain in the left leg over the previous
week. A pulmonary angiogram revealed a large clot and so an urgent embolectomy was
performed. Afterwards, he/ she was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit in a stable
condition.
TASK - Reassure the patient and answer her/ his questions.
- Explain strategies to the patient for prevention of clots (such as not crossing her/
his legs while sitting or lying).
- Answer the patient's questions and reassure them that their husband/ wife is
currently in a stable condition, and that when discharged regular blood tests will
be advised to ensure no risk of future clots.
- Explain to the patient what he/ she can look out for in order to avoid this
happening again.
SPEAKING SUB-TEST
OET PRACTICE 2008
SETTING Paediatrics ward
PATIENT You are the mother/ father of Michael, aged ten, who has had a tonsillectomy and is due
for discharge the day after surgery. You think Michael should stay longer, as he says he is
still in severe pain and does not appear to be very alert. Michael has a fever and looks
unwell. He is having difficulty taking fluids. He is on Tylenol for the pain.
TASK - Express concern to the nurse about your son's pain and request he be kept in
hospital longer for observation.
- Ask for information about giving his medication at home. What dosage should he
receive and how often?
- Show anxiety. If the pain worsens, what should you do? Are there any special
precautions you should take?
- What should he eat and drink?
- When can friends visit? When can he return to school?
OET PRACTICE 2008
SETTING Paediatrics ward
NURSE A 10 year-old boy named Michael, aged ten, has had a tonsillectomy and is due for
discharge the day after surgery. His mother/ father thinks Michael should stay longer, as
she says he is still in severe pain and does not appear to be very alert. Michael has a
fever and looks unwell. He is having difficulty taking fluids. He is on Tylenol for the pain.
His recovery is expected to take between 10 and 20 days. The parent appears anxious
about the child's condition.
TASK - Reassure the patient about Michael's pain. Explain that a tonsillectomy is a
standard procedure and his current level of pain is normal. Reassure the parent
that a longer hospital stay is not necessary.
- Explain to the parent how to administer his medication.
- Answer the parent's questions.
SPEAKING SUB-TEST
OET PRACTICE 2008
PATIENT You are a 35 year-old patient who had abdominal surgery four days ago for removal of a
large benign tumour. Severe abdominal pain and vomiting over two days prompted you to
have tests done as you are usually in good health. You had been suffering intermittent
abdominal pain for about three months. Your recovery from the operation has been
complicated by a wound infection. Now, you are anxious that not all of the mass was
found and you are worrying that the tumour may have been malignant.
TASK - Ask the nurse whether it's possible that the tumour was malignant. How could
she/ he be certain?
- Don't be easily reassured. Express your concern that not all of the tumour mass
was removed.
- Ask how much longer you will need to stay in hospital. Is it possible the tumour
will reappear? When can you recommence your cycling routine?
OET PRACTICE 2008
NURSE The patient is a 35 year-old who had abdominal surgery four days ago for removal of a
large benign tumour. Now, in the fourth day after surgery, her/ his recovery has been
complicated by a wound infection. The infection is minor, but the patient appears anxious
TASK - Reassure the patient about the certainty of the diagnostic process for tumours.
- Try to calm the patient by explaining the infection is not serious. Make some
suggestions to make her/ him more comfortable (eg. More pillows, bed
readjustment). Check the patient knows how to readjust her/ his bed.
- Answer the patient's questions and deal with the patient's anxiety about the
tumour.
SPEAKING SUB-TEST
OET PRACTICE 2008
PATIENT You are aged 55, and while in hospital for elective surgery on your knee, you have been
told you have hypertension (high blood pressure). You play tennis intermittently and know
you should reduce your cigarette smoking and your weight. As you are a busy business
person with a high stress job and travel interstate frequently, you would prefer to manage
your health with medication. Your husband/ wife is constantly nagging you to drink less
beer in order to lose weight and is very supportive of you.
TASK - Answer the nurse's questions and explain that you often eat out at regular places
with clients. You play tennis, although not always regularly as you travel
frequently for work.
- Ask what medication you can take to lower your blood pressure.
- Ask the nurse how you could make effective changes to your lifestyle. Be hesitant
at first about the nurse's suggestions, but eventually be willing to compromise.
OET PRACTICE 2008
NURSE This 55 year-old patient was found to have hypertension while in hospital for elective knee
surgery. She/ he is quite obese, and the patient's history reveals she/ he is a heavy
smoker and suffers alcohol abuse. Her husband/ his wife is concerned about her/ his
excessive drinking and thinks she/ he should cut down. The patient would prefer to use
medication instead of trying diet and exercise programmes because she/ he has little time
for such programs due to being busy with a stressful job and frequent travel interstate.
TASK - Ask the patient about her/ his diet and exercise.
- Explain to the patient that medication alone would not be effective in this case
because her/ his high blood pressure is due to excess calories and saturated fats
in her/ his diet, insufficient exercise, heavy smoking and drinking too much
alcohol. Strongly advise lifestyle changes.
- Discuss strategies with the patient for dietary and exercise improvements.
Emphasise the need for the patient to dramatically reduce her/ his intake of
alcohol and tobacco. Try to reach a compromise with the patient about lifestyle
changes.
SPEAKING SUB-TEST
OET PRACTICE 2008
PATIENT You are a 70 year-old patient who has had a bowel resection for colon cancer. Upon your
recovery from surgery, the doctor wants you to start chemotherapy and then radiotherapy.
Your father and brother both died of cancer and you are worried that no matter what you
do, the cancer will return.
TASK - Ask the nurse about chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Express your concern
about side effects such as weakness and nausea, and hair loss.
- Admit your worries to the nurse about managing alone at home.
- Ask the nurse about the possibility of the cancer returning.
OET PRACTICE 2008
NURSE The patient is a 70 year-old who has had a bowel resection for colon cancer. He was
obese, but lost a lot of weight in the last few months. Since her/ his hospitalisation, she/
he has given up smoking. Upon recovery from surgery, she/ he is due to start
chemotherapy and then radiotherapy.
TASK - Answer the patient's questions and give reassurance about the cancer treatment.
- Reassure the patient she/ he will be well looked after and explain that after she/
he leaves hospital you will ensure support is available to her/ him.
- Answer the patient's questions in a reassuring manner.
- Make sure the patient has no further concerns to be dealt with.
SPEAKING SUB-TEST
OET PRACTICE 2008
PATIENT You are a 63 year-old truck driver and arrived in Emergency via ambulance two days ago,
after you experienced dizziness, vomiting and severe pain in your right ear, which
radiated to the right side of your face. All your symptoms came on suddenly while
watching television. You have been told you had a stroke and are currently taking
medication. You are due to go home today.
TASK - Tell the nurse you don't really know anything about strokes or what causes them.
Express your surprise at finding out you had a stroke.
- Show anxiety as you have heard people can die from strokes. Ask the nurse
whether you will have another stroke in the future and whether you could die.
- Ask about other measures besides medication which could assist in preventing
another stroke.
OET PRACTICE 2008
NURSE The patient is a 63 year-old truck driver who arrived in Emergency by ambulance. His CT
scan showed he had a stroke. He was stabilized in hospital with medication. He is due to
go home today. He is to be treated longterm with Warfarin 6mg/day and is required to
have regular blood tests.
TASK - Ask the patient what they know about strokes.
- Explain what causes strokes and what the medication is for (ie. prevention and
treatment of thrombosis).
- Reassure the patient that her/ his current condition is stable. Emphasise the
patient of the doctor's orders to have regular blood tests, which will ensure she/
he is closely monitored in order to prevent another stroke.
- Advise the patient of preventive measures such as losing weight.
SPEAKING SUB-TEST
OET PRACTICE 2008
SETTING Accident and Emergency
PATIENT You are a 21 year-old who sustained severe burns to your right arm after a traffic
accident. You are currently in chronic pain. You are to have a skin graft on your arm.
Some months ago, you moved out of your parents’ home to a flat with three friends and
your present lifestyle is hectic and full. You are anxious and worried that your lifestyle will
change. You are deeply concerned that you may have lost full use of your arm.
TASK - Ask the nurse what is going to happen when the skin is grafted. Will it heal? Will
you have the full use of your arm?
- Express worry about your new job and commitments to your basketball team and
your need to resume those as soon as possible.
- Ask if this kind of pain is normal? Could it mean the injury is permanent?
OET PRACTICE 2008
SETTING Accident and Emergency
NURSE The patient is a 21 year-old who sustained severe burns to her/ his right arm after a
traffic accident. She/ He is currently in pain. The patient has been told she/ he will need
to have a skin graft.
TASK - Answer the patient's questions in a calm manner.
- Reassure the patient and offer to arrange a friend or relative to be present.
- Explain to the patient that although burn injuries feel painful, she/ he is readily
treatable and it is normal for people to successfully resume their normal lifestyle.
Role Player Card No. 25 NURSING
SETTING Emergency department
PATIENT You are an 18 year old female with undiagnosed anorexia nervosa who has self pre-
sented to an emergency department due to severe heart palpitations which you’ve
never had before. Initially the doctors give you some heart drugs to slow your heart
back to a normal rhythm but they also now have an intravenous drip connected to you
which you are very anxious about and don’t understand. Generally you are very de-
fensive and angry in your interactions with staff and are in denial about having anor-
exia nervosa or any mental health problems.
TASK Ask the nurse about why you have a drip running and express fear that it
might harm you in some way.
When the nurse tries to make conversation with you about your eating habits,
initially answer some of his/her questions, but fairly quickly become defen
sive & angrily ask why it’s their business to know about your personal habits.
When the nurse tells you a psychiatric doctor will come to see you, become
angry again, protesting that these doctors are only for crazy people and that
there is nothing wrong with your mind. Calm down only when the nurse per
suades you that that your eating behaviour is now causing very serious prob
lems in your life.
Candidate Card No. 25 NURSING
SETTING Emergency department
NURSE An eighteen year old female with undiagnosed anorexia nervosa has presented to
your emergency department with an abnormal heart rhythm caused by her poor nutri-
tional status. Cardiac treatment has stabilised her heart but she is still currently re-
ceiving a potassium infusion via a drip to prevent further such problems. Other than
when she wants you to explain treatment to her, she is defensive and angry to com-
municate with and in denial that she has any kind of eating disorder or mental health
issues.
TASK Reassuringly answer her anxious questions about the intravenous drip
being given to stabilise her electrolytes.
Tactfully ask her about her eating habits and food intake, emphasising your
therapeutic aims for asking these questions.
Advise her that a mental health doctor will come to see her soon and when
she becomes angry about having to see a ‘doctor for crazy people’, try to
persuade her of the importance of dealing with her mental health/eating
issues to prevent such life threatening hospital admissions.
SETTING Suburban Clinic
PATIENT You are the 30 year old parent of a four year old child (Mellisa). You were called
to her kindergarten as she had fallen from the playground equipment. You notice
that your child has a swollen forearm and you are concerned that it is broken.
TASK Find out if your child’s arm is broken.

Find out what treatment is necessary.
Find out if her arm will grow properly in the future.
You are very concerned about this as she is in a lot of pain, and has
never had any accident like this before.
Find out what can be done about the pain.

NURSE This thirty year old parent is concerned about his/her child’s forearm, which appears
broken. The parent wants to know about the treatment and if the fracture will affect
future growth.
TASK Find out how it happened. Examination shows that the child has suffered a
greenstick fracture which will require a plaster cast and sling.
Explain
- future growth should not be impaired;
- approx. 6 weeks to heal;
- all normal activities ok, within limitations of wearing plaster
SETTING Hospital
PATIENT You are a 42 year old woman admitted with an exacerbation of chronic pulmo-
nary disease. You work in the insurance sector and have a very hectic and stress-
ful work life. You also have to take care of 3 school going children and find it
difficult to cope-up with work and family. Hence you can’t imagine quitting smok-
ing though you are aware of how badly it affects you. A specialist nurse is visit-
ing you to discuss smoking cessation.
TASK Tell the nurse that you have already reduced your smoking drastically
and that it would be impossible to quit completely
Tell her how stressed your days are with a busy work schedule and a
family of 3 children.
Be hesitant to listen to advice, but reluctantly agree to try quitting
Ask for alternative destressing methods
SETTING Hospital
NURSE You are specifically assigned the duty of advising those with long-term conditions on
smoking cessation and the effects this can have on their condition and treatment.
You are meeting a 42 year old woman admitted with an exacerbation of chronic pul-
monary disease. She leads a busy life, with an insurance job and a family of 3 chil-
dren.
TASK Explain the effect of smoking on long-term conditions

Increase the patient’s confidence in using treatments to quit smoking while
in hospital
Offer emotional and psychological support
Suggest other methods to reduce stress
PATIENT You are 42 year old male who has been admitted to hospital with gastritis. The
nurse is collecting information from you. You live in your own home with your
wife, who is 36 years old, and you have three teenage children living at home.
You have been drinking alcohol for 25 years and often suffer abdominal upset or
pain.
TASK Answer the nurse’s questions about your family situation.

Ask for advice about how to give up drinking.
Say that you have tried several times and have not succeeded.

NURSE You are talking to a 42-year-old patient, a heavy drinker who has just been admitted
with gastritis.
TASK Find out about the patient’s general background: family, habits and general
health.
Respond to the patient’s questions about lowering his alcohol consumption.
Give advice in a positive and friendly way.
SETTING Children’s Hospital Ward
PATIENT The patient is your three year daughter Elizabeth. She is being admitted to hos-
pital for treatment of an ear abscess. This is the first time your child has been in
hospital and you are anxious about how she will manage. You can’t be at the
hospital all the time as you have two other children aged Joan aged 5 and Sam
aged 7. The nurse has requested information about your daughter’s normal rou-
tine at home.
TASK Explain your concerns to the nurse.

Answer the nurse’s questions about your daughter’s routine. Give a
brief answer. Wait for the nurse to ask further questions.
Ask about the flexibility of visiting hours.
NURSE Elizabeth, a three year old girl has come with her mother to be admitted with an ear
abscess. Her mother is anxious about how she will settle in. You need information
about the child’s normal routine and habits to prepare a nursing care plan.
TASK Reassure the mother about the care Elizabeth will receive.
Ask whether she has any siblings she usually plays with at home .
Ask about her normal routines at home
Usual bedtime – morning or afternoon sleep?
Food preferences – able to feed herself?
Is she fully toilet trained?
Has she brought any favourite toys or books with her?
Outline visiting hours – 11am – 8pm but stress that overnight stays are
possible in a special visiting room.
SETTING Hospital
PATIENT You are a patient who has recently undergone thyroid gland removal operation.
A head nurse has now come visited your room to examine you. You are very
anxious and you want to explain the problems you are facing after the operation.
TASK Tell her about the difficulty in swallowing or speaking

Ask the head nurse the reason for difficulty in breathing
Ask how much time will it take to get recovered.

SETTING Hospital
NURSE You are a Head Nurse. You are attending on a patient who has undergone an opera-
tion for thyroid gland removal. The patient is unable to speak properly and she has
difficulty in swallowing or even breathing properly.
TASK Begin with warm and friendly greetings.

Answer questions that she may ask
Assure her that problems related to speaking, swallowing, breathing
will go away sooner (usually, they go away after 2-3 weeks)
Advice her not to pressurize her vocal chords by speaking continuously.
Suggest to elevate her head at all times for the first 4-5 days after surgery,
even while sleeping.
SETTING Hospital
PATIENT You are a patient who is recovering from a minor knee fracture. A nurse visits
you in the morning to deliver your breakfast. You want to know when you can get
discharge from the hospital as you are a student who has exams next month.
TASK Ask your nurse
When you can go to your home
How you can recover from this knee fracture (time duration)
Is there anything you can do to bring improvement in your present

condition.
SETTING Hospital
NURSE You are delivering breakfast to a patient who is recovering from minor knee fracture.
The patient asks you of when he/she can be able to go home as he/she has exams
next month.
TASK As a nurse assure him / her that
He / she will be alright soon
He / she can take the exam as well
Advice him / her of the importance of taking medicine on time
Suggest some easy exercises that will help bring some improvement in his /
her knee
SETTING Nursing Home
PATIENT Your father is a resident at a nursing home and he recently had a stroke. He is
now being nasal tube fed. The staff use a lifting machine to transfer him. Many
things bother you and have come to the Nurse-in-charge to discuss your
father’s care.
TASK Tell the nurse that you think tube feeding is uncomfortable and that your
father might be finding it difficult.
Ask if there could be any other alternative to nasal tube feeding.
Show concern about the need for a lifting machine, and its safety.
Be worried about the patient’s privacy.

SETTING Nursing Home
NURSE You are the nurse incharge and a resident had stroke, so now he is Nasal Tube
Fed, and uses lifting machine transfer. His son is visiting the patient and is has
concerns about the NTF, lifting machine and privacy.
TASK You have to assure the son that these are the best things possible at the
moment for his father
Explain NTF
- tube feeding prevents chocking
- nutritional requirements)
Explain why you use lifting machine.
- the machine is quiet safe,
- mproves blood circulation
- easy to transfer from bed to chair, and transfer to shower
Explain privacy issues
-curtains are drawn and the door is shut
SETTING Hosptial Day Procedure Centre
PATIENT You are a 45 year old married woman with 3 children and a pretty stressful full
time job. Recently you have developed some rather unpleasant stomach pains
and your doctor has recommended a gastroscopy and a barium meal to see
what is going on. You have never had any suchtest before and are terrified that
you may have cancer as your grandmother died of ‘some stomach trouble’
though you don’t know exactly what it was.
TASK Ask for information and clarification from the nurse
Tell her how scared you are
See reassurance and information from the nurse.
SETTING Hosptial Day Procedure Centre
NURSE Your 45 year old patient has come to the hospital for investigation of abdominal pain
which began a few weeks ago. She is extremely nervous about the tests and afraid
that she may have cancer
TASK Find out why the patient is feeling so anxious
Make some suggestions as to what the pain may be (indigestion, gall

stones, irritable bowel, ulcer etc.)
Explain some of the tests to the patients, (gastroscopy, barium meal etc.)
Reassure the patient.

SETTING Urology Center
PATIENT You are a 40-year-old primary school teacher, also a mother of 6 children, your
students give you a nickname: Mrs Rainy because you always wet your trousers,
which is caused by pressure-induced incontinence, and your husband is not
interested in having intimate physical contact with you because you have trouble
holding your urine and you have used the bathroom every 10 minutes, but each
time you cant void all the urine.
TASK Ask the nurse to get a urologist to prescribe some anti-inflammatory

medication
Show shyness to seek medical attention for the sake of embarassment
concerns
Slowly tell the nurse what the problem you face is
Seek solutions and support from her

SETTING Urology Center
NURSE A 40 year old woman who is suffering from some urinary problems demands you to
get a urologist to prescribe some anti-infalmmatory medications, but she feels shy to
disclose in words what she has been exerpiencing, she is worried about being scoffed
at.
TASK Find out what problems exactly the patient has without being unfriendly or
impolite
Reassure her and tell her of the possible causes and treatment available.
SETTING Psyciatric Ward
PATIENT You are a 32 year old bi-polar patient on some anti-maniac medication,
however you did not take them regularly
TASK Explain the following reasons for you not taking the medication:
- Sometimes you feel better, so you stop taking this drug...
- Other times, this drug makes you feel tired and drowsy...
- There are also times when you give your pill to another patient in the
family...
- Have taken it for 5 days already with no improvement, so you wonder
how long it takes to work
You are worried about how to deal with side effects.
SETTING Psyciatric Ward
NURSE Your 32 year old patient was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, when conducting a
therapy session, you find out that the patient is not complying with medication
regimen.
TASK Discuss the condition with the patient

Find out details about non-compliance
Offer solutions to the problems.
PATIENT You are a the parent of a young boy aged 4 who was admitted through the
Children's Emergency Department for acute meningoencephalitis as a result of
a complication following mumps. He has fully recovered and is ready to be dis-
charged home. You are unaware that a vaccine is available in Australia which
protects against mumps. You would like further information and guidance re-
garding vaccinations. You also have a 2 year old son and have only lived in
Australia 6 months. You are concerned because some people say that vaccina-
tions are dangerous.
TASK Ask if your child has fully recovered

Find out what vaccinations are available
What are the advantages & disadvantages of vaccinations
Ask if there any side effects from the vaccination
Ask how expensive they are

NURSE A young boy aged 4, was admitted to hospital through the Children's Emergency
Department for acute meningoencephalitis as a result of a complication following
mumps. He has fully recovered and is ready to be discharged home. His parents are
unaware that a vaccine is available in Australia which protects against mumps. They
would like further information and guidance regarding vaccination for Mumps. They
also have a 2 year old son and have only lived in Australia 6 months.
TASK Explain to the parent that the boy has fully recovered.
Make him/her aware of the importance of a full vaccination program for both
children.
Tell them what vaccination is required for mumps and when to have it.
Inform about the risks and benefits of the vaccination for mumps.
Explain any side effects that might occur from the vaccination.
Tell them that vaccination is a requirement of many schools.
Tell them that vaccinations can be obtained from free health clinics.
SETTING Accident and Emergency Centre
PATIENT You are Joseph Groom, a male patient aged 23. You were in the city drinking
with your friends and became involved in a fight and were knocked uncon-
scious. You hurt your head, hand and shoulder and woke up on the pavement.
Due to your injuries, you have decided to visit the A & E centre to get some
pain relief. You are having trouble getting your thoughts together but you just
want some pain medication so you can go home and “sleep it off”.
TASK Tell the nurse what happened

Insist you have a bad headache and want something to ease it
You also believe your hand is broken
Be difficult to convince to wait to see a doctor.
SETTING Accident and Emergency Centre
NURSE You are an A & E nurse. A man has presented at A & E at 3am. He states his name is
Joseph Groom. He has suffered a head injury and may have mild concussion. He
also has cuts and bruises to his body, his right hand is swollen and his clothes are
torn. He is intoxicated. He insists he wants something for pain relief while waiting to
see the doctor.
TASK Ask for details about what happened

Find out the extent of his injuries
Explain that you cannot administer pain relief before examination by a doctor
Explain that all medications have side effects and that in some cases these
are exacerbated by alcohol
Try make him as comfortable as possible.
SETTING Home Visit
PATIENT You are a busy 50-year-old waitress, recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
You had a wedge resection 12 days ago and have post-operative infection in
your right large toe. You are resting at home and the district nurse is visiting to
change your dressing.
TASK Admit that you should have followed the surgeon’s advice, but did not,
so now you have an infection.
Argue that you need a quick fix to the toe because you need to get
back to work, the antibiotics obviously aren’t working.
Agree to use the nurse’s list of suggestions and accept that you did not
cause your own infection.
Tell the nurse that you know the risk that diabetics experience with
circulation, but would like a brochure on how to manage your illness.

SETTING Home Visit
NURSE Your patient is a busy 50-year-old waitress, recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
The patient had a wedge resection 12 days ago and has post-operative staphylo-
coccus aureus (staph infection, non-MRSA) on the right large toe. You are visiting the
home to change the dressing whilst the patient is resting from work duties.
TASK Find out about the patient’s general dialy habits after the operation. Did the
patient rest adequately?
Highlight the fact that sometimes people get post operative infection but it is
not really their fault.
Persuade your client to be patient and that the toe will heal with attendance
to dressings, fresh air and daily exposure to the sun, antibiotics, etc.
Explain the risk of circulation problems for diabetes and sometimes greater
risk of infection.
Supply a patient information brochure to the patient and agree to call again
next week.
PATIENT You are Harry Jones aged 78. You are a bachelor who lives on his own. You
were admitted to hospital to have a large lesion removed from your back. You
know you’ll be discharged in the next few days but meantime you want to
make the most of the rest and the hospital food. You want the nursing staff to
leave you in peace but a nurse says its time to get up and have a shower.
You are feeling quite cranky.
TASK Point out that you will be home in a few days and there will be plenty of
time to shower then.
Explain that at your age you need rest not exercise.
Argue that a shower will only wet the dressing on your shoulder.
NURSE Your patient, Harry Jones aged 78, is in hospital after surgery to remove a large
lesion from his back. He is recovering well and you want him to get up and walk about
and to have a shower. You have observed that he has neglected his personal hygiene
and appearance.
TASK Encourage the patient to have a shower, wash his hair and generally get
cleaned up. Be tactful as he can be quite cranky if he doesn’t want to do
something.
Say you will place a waterproof dressing over the lesion area.
Stress the importance of exercise and good hygiene in ensuring a speedy
recovery.
PATIENT Your father was scheduled for surgery at 10 this morning but due to some
reason he has not been taken to the operating theatre eventhough it is already
11 am. You have been upset seeing your father’s long wait. A nurse has just
come to talk to you.
TASK Be angry for having kept your father waiting.

Be apprehensive and concerned about the safety of your father as he
has not had any food since midnight and hasn’t had his routine
medicines in the morning. He is very tired now.
Be unwilling to listen to excuses.
Insist that your father’s rights as a patient is being disregarded.
Threaten to get him discharged if the uncertainty persists.
Finally be willing to cooperate on the nurse’s assurance that he would
be taken care of during the wait which might extend for up to another
half hour.

NURSE You have been called to the patient's bedside. The patient was supposed to go in for
his surgery at 10 am and was second on the list but surgery was delayed because
the previous patient had some complications during surgery. Apparently he had never
had an anesthesic before and was suffering from post op vomiting, hadn't passed
urine and is in pain. The patient's daughter is very angry and wants to talk to you.
TASK Find out why the patient's daughter is angry.

Empathise with the daughter about the delay but be realistic about how long
the patient may have to wait.
Explain why the operation is late, try not to blame Theatre staff but explain
post op complications can be unavoidable.
Negotiate with the daughter to prevent her from insisting her father is
discharged.
SETTING Gastroenterology Clinic
PATIENT You are a 25 year old who has just received a diagnosis of Irritable Bower
Syndrome. You had a colonoscopy early this week at the clinic. You have had
several episodes of abdominal cramps, flatulence and diarrhoea. It’s been
very embarassing as you did not know what to do about the symptoms.
TASK You have had some episodes of painful abdominal cramps, frequent
wind problems, which are very embarassing, and bowel problems. It
started about 3 months ago - you have had bouts of diarrhoea and
constipation. It has happened a few times. You have been off your food.
You feel bloated and uncomfortable. It is very painful when it happens.
You have noticed that it was worse a few months ago as you had a lot
of stress at that time. You started a new job which is highly paid but very
stressful.
You’ve heard the name before, IBS, but you don’t know anything about
it. You thought it meant that you were allergic to fibre in food.
You understand about the tablets now. Check that you only take the
tablets if you have cramps, diarrhoea or vomiting. Confirm that the
other suggestions, diet changes and stress management, are things
she should do all the time to try to prevent future bouts of the condition.
SETTING Gastroenterology Clinic
NURSE You are the nurse who works at the Gastroenterology Clinic. You see patients after
they undergo tests at the clinic. You are now talking to Jenny Vassily, a 25 year-old
who has been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome at the clinic. The patient is
not sure about the conditions and needs advice about treatment and management.
TASK Find out about the symptoms she experiences eg. type, duration, frequency,
pain.
Find out about any triggers she may have noticed - e.g. stress
Explain what IBS is in simple language - no clear cause but intestines
probably over sensitive at times, smooth muscle becomes over active -
spasms, cramps, IBS - either constipation, diarrhoea or both
Outline treatment options - pt has been supplied with medication for pain,
diarrhoea and constipation. She needs to make diet changes (avoid high
fibre foods and gas-producing foods like cabbage, eat regular meals).
Stress management - suggest activities like yoga, meditation or gentle walks.
PATIENT Yesterday at work, you had a fit and you fell over. Your eyes were rolling and you
can’t remember what happened. (Your colleagues told you what happened
afterwards)
TASK Tell the nurse how terrified you are of having epilepsy
Deny the fact that you could possibly have epilepsy
Have an emotional reaction to the problem. Be hard to get through to.

NURSE The patient was recently involved in a car accident and suffered cuncussion.
TASK Get details of the current problem; the patient seems to have seizure at
work.
Listen with empathy and pacify the patient.
Discuss the possible causes of the seizure (brain damage etc), the test
required (an EEG) and the range of treatment available (medication)
SETTING Secondary School
PATIENT You are Richard Gibson, a grade 9 student at Hastings Secondary School. Your
teacher has asked you to see the visiting school nurse as he thinks that you have
put on more weight recently. You have been experiencing lethargy and has been
inatentive in class.
TASK Tell the nurse about your tiredness and difficulty in being attentive
Ask her for advice on reducing weight
Be unwilling to reduce fast food because that’s what you enjoy eating
Agree reluctantly to consume fruit and veggies
Agree to monitor your weight and see the nurse again after a month
SETTING Secondary School
NURSE You are the visiting school nurse at Hastings Secondary School. You are seeing
Richard Gibson, a grade 9 student who is obese. He does not participate in any
physical activities at school or at home and consumes fast food and sugary bever-
ages a lot. He feels sleepy while attending classes.
TASK Have his body mass index measured

Ask about his lifestyle and routines
Encourage him to take up any sport or other physical activities
Make him aware about healthy lifestyle choices and also warns of the long
impact of too much junk food.
Ask him to keep a tab of his weight every week and to see you a month
later on your visit to the school
SETTING Community Health Centre
PATIENT Your doctor has referred you to the community health nurse for advice about
lifestyle changes, as your blood pressure is high. You know that you haven’t been
paying much attention to your health recently buy you have a stressed job as a
lawyer and your busy schedule makes it difficult for you to exercise on a regular
basis. You also smoke a packet of cigarette a day and enjoy a couple of drinks
after work; although you know this isn’t good for you, it helps you to cope with the
stress of work.
TASK Answer the nurse’s questions about your lifestyle honestly, but be a bit
defensive in your replies.
Be resistant at first to any of the nurse’s suggestions about how you

can modify your lifestyle, given the stresses you are up against at work.
Finally, agree to some of the changes suggested but continue to be

adamant that you cannot give up smoking.
SETTING Community Health Centre
NURSE The client has high blood pressure and has been referred to you for advice on lifestyle
changes aimed at reducing it. The medical report indicates that the client smokes,
drinks and does not take any regular exercise. He/she has a stressful job as a lawyer.
TASK Question the client about his/her smoking, drinking and exercise habits.
Suggest ways in which your client can modify his/her lifestyle to improve his/
her health.
Be sympathetic to your client’s reasons for being reluctant to change his/her
habits but insist that at least some changes are necessary for the sake of
his/her health.
SETTING Operating Theatre – Recovery Room
PATIENT You are Doris Mack aged 80. You have woken up following hip replacement surgery
and are having trouble getting your thoughts together. Keep asking for your daughter
and say you need a cup of tea as your mouth is dry.
TASK Be confused about where you are
Don’t pay any attention to what the nurse is saying - keep asking for your
daughter
Listen to the nurse’s explanation
Say you need a cup of tea now as your mouth is dry
SETTING Operating Theatre – Recovery Room
NURSE You are a nurse in an operating theatre recovery room. 80-year-old Doris Mack is
recovering after hip replacement surgery. She is receiving IV fluids. She has been
able to tell you her name but seems confused about where she is. She keeps
asking to see her daughter and to have a cup of tea.
TASK Explain her situation

Check for understanding
Re-explain if necessary
Advise her that her daughter is waiting to see her in the post-operative ward
Explain that hospital policy excludes visitors from the recovery room
Explain why she cannot have fluids by mouth at this stage
Assure her that she will be taken back to her ward shortly and then her
needs will be attended to based on the doctor’s orders.
SPEAKING ROLE PLAY CARDS FOR PRACTICE
ROLE PLAY CARD -1
Interlocutor Role Play Card

Patient Setting: Hospital Surgical Ward
You are an elderly patient who had hip replacement surgery three days ago. The
surgeon saw you today and has arranged for you to be discharged tomorrow. You are
worried that the medical team expect you to go home too soon as you don’t feel very
safe and are frightened that you might fall. You managed to shower independently
today, but you felt exhausted afterwards.
TASK
 Be reluctant to be discharged so soon.

 Tell the nurse that you are afraid of walking around independently and
especially of falling over in the shower
 Ask when and how you will receive your medication / pain relief
 Express concern about looking after the wound area on your hip.
 Ask about what the future will hold in terms of follow up care and length of time
to heal etc.
Candidate Role Play Card

Nurse Setting: Hospital Surgical Ward
You have been nursing an elderly patient who had hip replacement surgery three days
ago. The surgeon has seen the patient today and has arranged for them to be
discharged tomorrow. You have been asked to discuss the discharge plan with the
patient.
Task
 Make sure that the patient has support from family or friends on a regular basis
until he/she regains his/her independence.
 Ask if the patient has any other concerns about going home.
 Reassure the patient that the physiotherapist will provide education to the
patient and family regarding patient mobility.
 Explain that the pharmacist will deliver medications before the patient is
discharged.
 Explain that the patient will need to make an appointment to see the GP who
will check his/her wound and reinforce the dressing if necessary.
 Inform the patient to call the hospital if there are any major concerns such as
excessive pain (despite taking medication), bleeding from the wound site or an
elevated temperature.
1
ROLE PLAY CARD 2

Patient Setting: Emergency Department of a large city Hospital
You are a 32-year-old vehicle accident victim, the driver of the vehicle, who has been
brought to the hospital suffering a suspected broken arm and concussion from the
accident. You are also moderately drunk. It is midnight on a Saturday night and the
ward doctors are very busy attending to many other patients, including victims of
vehicle accidents, bashings and drug overdoses. A nurse is trying to assess your injury
but you are being quite uncooperative.
TASK
 Tell the nurse when asked that all you remember about the accident is that your
friends in the car were screaming and that you want to know how they are.
 Insist on using a phone to check on your friends.
 Ask if you can use the hospital chapel to pray for your friend. Your manner is
disoriented and confused. You keep asking what day it is.
 Reluctantly agree to allow the nurse to take your vital signs.

Nurse Setting: Emergency Department of a large city Hospital
A 32-year-old vehicle accident victim, the driver of the vehicle, has been brought to
emergency suffering a suspected broken arm and concussion from the accident. The
patient also appears moderately drunk. It is midnight on a Saturday night and the ward
doctors are very busy attending to many other patients, including victims of vehicle
accidents, bashings and drug overdoses. You are trying to assess the patient’s injury
before further treatment.
TASK
 Ask the patient what he/she remembers about the accident.

 Tell the patient that you have no information about the other passengers in the
car; that the most important thing for now is for his/her vital signs to be checked
and for him/her to be made comfortable while waiting for a doctor.
 Refuse the patient the use of a phone asked for (the patient’s mobile phone is
missing).
 Deal with the patient’s other concerns while encouraging him/her to be positive
and to relax. Be sympathetic but firm.
 Give the patient some encouraging words to end the conversation as you
prepare to take his/her vital signs.
2
ROLE PLAY CARD 3

Patient Setting: Community Health Centre
You have recently become a parent and had your 40th birthday. You are thinking of
giving up smoking and hove come to talk to the Nurse Practitioner who is in charge of
a support group to find out how they can help you. You are not sure whether to give
up and need help deciding.
TASK
 Explain that you smoke ‘rolI your own’ cigarettes, every evening but only a few
during the day. You love smoking and look forward to it all day, but it is
expensive and you know it is bad for you and your baby’s health.
 Express concern that the activities suggested often act as triggers for smoking.
 Show enthusiasm and say that the extra help may prevent you from returning to
the habit as you have done in the past, Find out what the next step is.
 Agree to make an attempt and request a non-judgmental approach from the
nurse and a weekly consultation.

Nurse Setting: Community Health Centre
You are the Nurse Practitioner at a Community Health Centre and run a support group
for patients who wish to give up smoking. Your patient is a 40-year-old, who is a new
parent and has been smoking 20 cigarettes a day for 25 years.
TASK
 Find out as much as possible about the patient’s smoking habit quantity,
products smoked, reasons for wanting to quit, etc.).
 Reassure the patient that you will be able to help and offer suggestions of other
pleasant things that could be Introduced and looked forward to in the evening
(coiling a friend, good movies, delicious meals).
 Suggest products to support giving up smoking (Champix tablets — reduce
cravings, block rewarding effects of cigarettes; electronic cigarettes — satisfy
cravings without the damaging effects of smoking).
 Recommend that you make a plan together. Help the patient identify triggers,
rewards and benefits (e.g. more money, fewer health problems, better for baby,
smell nicer).
 Help fix a date to give up, prescribe the Champix and suggest the patient buys
and prepares an electronic cigarette before the agreed quit dote.
 Agree to offer ongoing help and support
3
ROLE PLAY CARD 4

Patient Setting: Hospital Accident and Emergency Department
You have just fallen down the stairs home and think you have broken one of your toes.
It is black, swollen and at a strange angle. You cannot put weight on it or wear a shoe.
You have come to the hospital for treatment. The emergency department is very busy.
TASK
 Tell the nurse that you fell down the stairs and heard and felt your toe crack.
You cannot bear weight or stand on ill and are unable to wear a shoe. Ask
whether it is broken.
 Ask for an X-ray as you have been waiting for a long time.
 Reluctantly agree to the standard treatment and ask how quickly it will heal.
 Ask what to do if you still in pain after a few weeks.

Nurse Setting: Hospital Accident and Emergency Department
Your patient has come to the emergency department because he/she thinks he/she
has broken a toe. It is a very busy weekend right and the patient has been waiting for
some time.
TASK
 Find out what happened to the patient’s foot and their mobility/ pain.
 Explain that you do not know whether it is broken but the procedure is the
same for a badly hurt or broken toe (dress and tape it to the next toe).
 Explain that an X-ray would mean a very long wall and have no bearing on the
treatment. The hospital is busy with emergencies tonight.
 Tell the patient that it usually takes about 6 weeks to heal if cared for property.
Provide information about caring for the toe ( ice pack every 20 minutes for the
first few days, elevate the foot above heart level to reduce swelling and pain, try
to rest it)
 Reassure the patient that painkillers ibuprofen and paracetamol usually work,
but to contact his/her GP if there is no improvement after 2- 3 weeks.
4
ROLE PLAY CARD 5

Patient Setting: Hospital Ward
You are the son/daughter of an 82-year-old woman, who had bunion surgery two
Weeks ago. Your mother is coming to live with you for six months, so you can care for
her while she recovers.
TASK
 Respond to the nurse’s question by saying you are not sure what level of core
will be required.
 Respond in surprise and concern at the amount of care required — (worried
you will make a mistake or won’t be able to manage physically or emotionally).
 Find out why your mother needs to wear a surgical boot
 Ask the nurse to explain the medicine and how it should be taken.

Nurse Setting: Hospital Ward
You are speaking to the son/daughter of on 82-year-old female patient who had bunion
surgery two weeks ago. The patient will be in the son/daughter’s care for the six-month
recovery period.
TASK
 Find out how prepared the son/daughter feels about their mother’s discharge to
their home.
 Explain the mother’s needs for the first eight weeks (NSAIDs/painkillers.
Dressing changes, mobility personal hygiene, meal preparation).
 Reassure the son/daughter that it is manageable and give advice on strategies
which will make caring for their mother easier (set up a routine, get a medicine
organiser, ensure she has everything she needs nearby, wear a surgical boot).
 Explain the role of the surgical boot (protects the foot).
 Explain the painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs x 1 naproxen (painkiller &
anti- inflammatory) every 12 hours, ibuprofen (painkiller and anti-inflammatory)
x 2 every 4 hours, not to exceed 8/day.
5
ROLE PLAY CARD 6

Patient Setting: General Practice
You are the parent of a four-year old boy, who has just put his hand through a rusty
nail whilst playing at the local park. Your child is very upset and does not want to
receive the necessary tetanus injection.
TASK
 Explain that it happened about 25 minutes ago at the local pork, when he
picked up a plank of wood to ploy with. You removed his hand from the nail.
 Say that you don’t want your son to receive the tetanus Injection now because
it’s too stressful.
 Explain that you forgot to bring him for his childhood vaccination and tell the
nurse that you would prefer your partner to come after work to support you.
 Reluctantly agree to your son having the injection.

Nurse Setting: General Practice
You are the Nurse at a General Practice. A parent comes to see you with their four
year-old son, who has just put a rusty nail through his hand whilst playing at the local
park. He needs to have a tetanus Injection Immediately but is distressed and refusing
to have it.
TASK
 Find out the details of the incident.

 Explain that you need to clean and dress the wound and that he will need a
tetanus injection.
 Explain why the child needs the Injection immediately (did not receive it as part
of childhood vaccination programme, deep wound, foreign bodies present).
 Persuade the parent to allow their child to have it now and warn about the
potential risks of tetanus (fatal disease, causes seizures, muscle stiffness,
lockjaw, difficult breathing). Offer your support and reassurance.
 After giving the injections explain the rare and mild side-effects (feeling
achy/tired, mild nausea / light-headedness).
6
ROLE PLAY CARD 7

Patient Setting: Home Visit
You are a 64-year-old who underwent a left total knee replacement three weeks ago.
At the time of discharge, you were advised to use a walker and to adhere to the
recommended physiotherapy exercises at home until your follow-up appointment in a
month. You stopped using the walker yesterday evening.
TASK
 Tell the nurse why you stopped using the walker (makes you feel disabled/old.
can now walk independently, knee healing well).
 Insist you have been compliant with the recommended exercise regime and
you do not want to be dependent on anything for routine activities.
 Admit it is sometimes painful it you put weight on the knee for extended periods
of time
 Reluctantly agree to use a walker until your follow-up appointment.

Nurse Setting: Home Visit
You are visiting a 64-year-old patient who underwent a left total knee replacement
three weeks ago. This visit is to monitor the patient’s progress before his/her follow-up
appointment scheduled in a month, the post-discharge instructions included using a
walker for mobility and compliance with the recommended physiotherapy. During your
visit, you notice that the patient is not using the walker.
TASK
 Find out when and why the patient stopped using the walker
 Advise the patient on the importance of physiotherapy and using the walker
(e.g. physiotherapy increases range of motion/strength. Walker assists with
balance, reduces risk of falls, lessens weight/Pressure put on weakened
muscles of knee, etc.).
 Find out if the patient has been experiencing pain.
 Encourage the patient to use a walker until his/her follow-up appointment
reduction in pain, shortened recovery time, etc.)
7
ROLE PLAY CARD 8

You are 33 years old and were hospitalized two days ago due to o kidney infection.
You feel a little better now but still find it difficult to consume food or fluids. The doctor
feels you are not ready to be discharged. You have two children at home who are
being cared for by your husband/wife. You are desperate to go home and are upset
and angry about the situation.
TASK
 When asked by the nurse, explain why you want to be discharged (feeling
belier, can take medication/care of self at home, wish to be with/assist family).
 Resist the idea of staying in hospital and insist that you can continue the
treatment at home with home visits if needed.
 Be difficult to convince, but reluctantly agree to stay if help can be provided for
your family.

You are speaking to a 33-year-old patient who was admitted two days ago, and was
diagnosed with acute pyelonephritis (kidney inflammation due to bacterial infection).
He/ she has a fever, has not been able to eat or drink anything, and has been given
intravenous therapy. He/she wants to be discharged from the hospital, but the doctor
feels they are not fit to go home at present. The patient appears upset and agitated.
TASK
 Find out why the patient wants to be discharged early.

 Explain why staying in the hospital is necessary for their current condition (e.g.
intravenous therapy needed because body rejecting food/fluids/oral medication,
close monitoring of blood and urine to track Infection, etc.).
 Try to persuade the patient to remain in hospital (e.g. potential kidney
damage/failure. risk of blood poisoning, unable to provide care at home. etc.).
 Suggest home help be organised by hospital social worker for the family.
8
ROLE PLAY CARD 9

You are a 35-year-old vegetarian who does not cook owing to a hectic lifestyle, and
mainly relies on ready meals for convenience. You drink 4-5 cups of coffee a day.
Lately, you’ve been feeling exhausted. Your doctor has explained that you have
anaemia (the number of red blood cells in your blood is low). You’ve flow been asked
to speak to a nurse for dietary suggestions.
TASK
 Explain to the nurse that you are confused by the diagnosis and how It relates
to your diet (you choose vegetarian ready meals because you believe they are
healthy).
 Answer the nurse questions regarding your dietary routine (coffee for breakfast,
frozen meals for lunch, coffee and cake for afternoon tea, rarely eat dinner).
 Be resistant to the nurse’s suggestions as you dislike tofu and green leafy
vegetables, coffee helps you cope with the stress of work.
 Finally agree to the recommendations but be adamant that you cannot reduce
your coffee consumption.

You are speaking with a 35-year-old who has recently been diagnosed with anaemia
(haemoglobin is 8g/dl). Their doctor has referred him/her to your centre for further
advice concerning their condition and necessary dietary adjustments.
TASK
 Find out if the patient has any questions regarding the diagnosis.
 Explain that iron is only sourced from the diet and can be tow in vegetarians
without planning. Reassure the patient it is treatable with dietary modification.
 Find out further details about the patient’s dietary habits.
 Suggest ways In which the patient can increase his/her Iron intake (e.g. beans,
leafy green vegetables such as spinach/kale, tofu, iron fortified cereals, reduce
consumption of coffee — inhibits absorption of iron). Discuss the importance of
food combining as a compromise (allow one hour between consuming iron rich
food and coffee to increase absorption; Vitamin C at the sometime as iron rich
food).
9
ROLE PLAY CARD 10

You are a 40-year-old who is scheduled to undergo a colostomy later today. You have
never had prior surgery and ore frightened about the procedure. You have led a
socially active life until now and believe the procedure will have a negative impact.
You are also worried about the effects of the surgery on your ability to self-care.
TASK
 Express concern about your ability to return to normal life after having the
procedure.
 Emphasise that you are embarrassed about wearing a colostomy pouch and
are worried about participating in social activities.
 Ask what additional support is available.
 Outline the management plant to support.

You are speaking to a 40-year-old who is scheduled to undergo colostomy in your

hospital later today. You have come to prepare the patient for surgery. This is the
patient’s first surgery and he/she appears anxious.
TASK
 Ask the patient if he/she has any final questions about the surgery.
 Explain the recovery process to the patient (3—10 days in hospital, education
will be given on re: core of colostomy pouch, light exercise only, low-fibre diet,
sufficient rest. etc.).
 Reassure the patient that the surgery will not prevent his/her participation in
any social activities (e.g. pouch can be well hidden, support provided by GP
and district nurse for medical care. etc.).
 Explain that the Stoma Care Nurse will meet with the patient after surgery to
discuss participating in stoma support groups.
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You are a 77-year-old osteoporosis sufferer recovering in hospital from a broken leg
due to a fall at home. The surgeon saw you today and has stated you are ready for
discharge. However, you would prefer to stay longer in hospital as you like the care
and food there and are afraid your husband/wife will not care for you as well as the
hospital does. The ward nurse is preparing you for your discharge but you dispute your
readiness for this and ask to stay longer.
TASK
 Tell the nurse that you want to stay in hospital rather than go home
 Answer the nurse’s questions about your reasons for this
 Reject the nurse’s suggestions for assistance at home after discharge
 Suggest that the hospital “only wants to get rid of “him/her to make room for
patients. Be insistent about staying longer in hospital
 Reluctantly agree to discharge as advised.

A 77-year-old osteoporosis sufferer is a patient in your ward. He/she was admitted with
a broken leg due to a fall at home but has now been given the all-clear from the
surgeon for discharge today. You are with him/her to prepare for discharge
TASK
 Ask the patient how he/she is feeling today and share the good news about
being ready for discharge.
 Ask the patient’s reasons for wanting to stay longer in hospital rather than going
home today.
 Encourage the patient to be positive about being discharged and explain
resources available for help in the home e.g. Community help for meals, visiting
nurse, availability of mobility aids. Be sympathetic.
 Respond to any further concerns the patient has as to reasons for being
discharged today
 Be supportive when the patient agrees to discharge as advised.
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You are a 30-year-old university lecturer who has recently (2 weeks ago) had your
lower bowel removed due to Crohn’s disease and you have been fitted with a
colostomy bag. Your vital signs are fine. However, you are depressed and
embarrassed about the colostomy bag which you hope will be able to be removed in a
few weeks.
TASK
 When asked, tell the nurse that you’re feeling very depressed and embarrassed
about the colostomy bag.
 Tell the nurse that you fear you won’t be able to have close contact with
students and that sexual relations with your partner will be problematic until it is
removed in a few weeks.
 Express dismay when told by the nurse that the colostomy bag is irreversible
 Express concern that despite the nurse’s instructions you won’t be able to
manage changing the bag.

The patient is a 30-year-old university lecturer who has recently (2 weeks ago) had
his/her lower bowel removed due to Crohn’s disease and has been fitted with a
colostomy bag. The patient’s vital signs are fine. The surgeon has informed the patient
that wearing the colostomy bag is irreversible. The patient appears depressed.
TASK
 Greet the patient and ask how he/she is feeling.

 Respond to the patient’s concerns but explain why the colostomy bag is
needed.
 Explain sympathetically that wearing the bag is irreversible.
 Empathise with the patient while informing the patient that although lifestyle
changes will need to be made, his/her fears are unnecessary and explain why.
Then give brief instructions about management of the stoma and bag.
 Tell the patient that community health assistance is available whenever he/she
needs it. Ask the patient to come back in 3 days’ time for another assistance
session.
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Patient Setting: Emergency Department of a Hospital
You are a 45-year-old hobby farmer who has been driven by your brother to the
emergency department of a nearby hospital because you have sustained many bee
stings while working on bee hives on the hobby farm you both own. Your hands and
ankles are swollen, red and itchy. Your breathing is becoming more laboured and you
are getting agitated. You believe you are going to die at any moment. You hate getting
injections. Your brother had been smoking marijuana for a number of hours before he
drove you to the hospital.
TASK
 Respond to the nurse’s efforts to calm you down by expressing your fear of
dying as you can’t breathe properly.
 Tell the nurse that you are terrified of having injections.
 Reluctantly agree to have the anti-histamine injection.
 Tell the nurse when asked about going home, that your brother drove you here
but that he was smoking marijuana before he drove you here.
 Agree to the advice given by the nurse about getting home and post-hospital
care.

Nurse Setting: Emergency Department of a Hospital
You are a nurse in the emergency department of a hospital. The patient is 45-year-old
person who has sustained many bee stings while working on bee hives on the hobby
farm he/she owns. The patient’s hands and ankles are swollen, red and itchy. The
patient’s breathing is becoming more laboured and the patient is becoming agitated.
You suspect the patient is going into anaphylactic shock and there is no time to waste
TASK
 Try to calm the patient down
 Respond to the patient’s fear of imminent death in a positive way and tell the
patient you must administer an Epi-pen antihistamine injection immediately.
 Tell the patient you notice that he / she is becoming less agitated and the
swelling is starting to go down. Ask the patient how he/she is going to get
home.
 Advise the patient you will order a taxi home for both him/her and the brother,
and for the patient to get plenty of rest for the next few hours, applying the
Benadryl cream you have given him/her.
 Finish the consultation by telling the patient that if things have not normalised
within 12 hours he / she must see a doctor.
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You are a 29-year-old heavy drinker who has been admitted to hospital with liver
cirrhosis. The admissions nurse is collecting information from you. You share an
apartment with 2 friends, who also drink alcohol often. You enjoy partying at
weekends and drinking alcohol most weekday evenings. However, your parents are
teetotallers and strongly disapprove of your drinking and partying habits. You have
been a heavy drinker since you were in your late teens. You would like to give up
drinking but are reluctant to change your lifestyle to achieve this.
TASK
 Answer the nurse’s questions about your home and family situation.
 Ask for advice about how to give up drinking. Be pessimistic about your ability
to follow the nurse’s advice.
 Thank the nurse for the advice and say that you will do your best to change
your drinking habits.

Your patient is a 29-year-old heavy drinker who has been admitted to hospital with
liver cirrhosis. You are collecting information from the patient.
TASK
 Ask the patient about his/her general background: family, home and habits.
 Respond to the patient’s question about how to give up drinking. Give your
advice in a positive and friendly way. The advice can include joining Alcoholics
Anonymous; finding new friends to share an apartment with; patient moving
back home to live with his/her parents, and a few other suggestions. Counter
the patient’s negativity to your suggestions with achievable goals.
 Conclude in a positive manner.
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Patient Setting: Paediatrics Ward
You are the parent of Aiden, aged thirteen, who had an appendectomy (by open
surgery) yesterday and is due for discharge tomorrow. You think Aiden should stay
longer, as he says he is still in pain and does not appear to be very alert. However,
Aiden is keen to go home to attend an athletics training camp beginning in 3 days’
time. He is on Tylenol for the pain
TASK
 Express concern to the nurse about your son’s pain and request he be kept in
hospital a little longer for observation.
 Ask for information about giving his medication at home. What dosage should
he receive and how often? Show anxiety. If the pain worsens, what should you
do?
 What about the camp Aiden wants to attend in 3 days’ time? Can he attend it?
He is very keen to go and pursue his dream of becoming an Olympic champion.
Answer the nurse’s questions about the nature of the camp.
 Reluctantly agree to the nurse’s advice and thank him/her.

Nurse Setting: Paediatrics Ward
You are speaking with the mother of a 13-year-old boy named Aiden who had an
appendectomy (by open surgery) yesterday and is due for discharge tomorrow. He is
on Tylenol for the pain His recovery at home is expected to take between 10 and 20
days. The parent appears anxious about the child’s condition.
TASK
 Ask the parent if he/she has questions or concerns about the boy’s condition or
discharge.
 Reassure the parent about Aiden’s pain. Explain that an appendectomy is a
standard procedure and his current level of pain is normal. Reassure the parent
that a longer hospital stay is not necessary.
 Explain to the parent how to administer his medication and what he/she should
do if the pain worsens.
 Answer the parent’s questions about Aiden’s planned activities after he returns
home. Give sympathetic but professional advice on this issue. Be firm about
Aiden restricting his physical activity for the next 2 to 3 weeks.
 Conclude by summing up the recommended post-operative care for the boy,
wishing the boy a quick recovery.
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Patient Setting: Home Visit
You are an 80-year-old client, who has lived fairly independently for a number of years
in a granny flat beside your son’s house on a rural property. Your son’s family is going
to live overseas for one year and you are going into a retirement home while they are
away. You are having an assessment by a community nurse. Your favorite pastime is
playing videogames.
TASK
 State that you are happy to go into care so your family can have a pleasant and
productive time away.
 Tell the nurse you are a little worried about lack of privacy there and having to
socialize with people who may not share his/her favorite pastime, and mention
what this is.
 Describe your daily routine: sleep in, late breakfast, shower without assistance,
then pursue your favorite pastime, followed by lunch, afternoon nap, watch a
game show then the evening news, then bed by 8.30pm, Your son and his
family take you out quite often for meals and movies.
 State that you only take blood pressure tablets (Atacand) and a medication to
control acid reflux (Pariet) plus occasional analgesic medication when needed.

Nurse Setting: Home Visit
You are a community nurse visiting an 80-year-old client, who has lived alone fairly
independently for a number of years in a granny flat beside his/her son’s house on a
rural property. The client’s son’s family is going to live overseas for one year and to
avoid being isolated while they are away the client is going into a retirement home. You
are conducting an aged care assessment for admission.
TASK
 Ask the client how he/she feels about moving into a retirement home.
 Compliment the client on his/her positive attitude and ask if there are any
concerns at all about the move.
 Reassure the client of the retirement home’s house rules i.e. making clients feel
at home and respecting their wishes, and mention the fact there may well be
residents there who will share his/her interests,
 Ask about his/her daily routine (e.g. sleep habits, meals, etc.),
 Emphasise the fact that you are noting his/her usual daily routine in your care
plan to give to the retirement home. Then ask him/her about regular medications
taken.
 Summarise by assuring the client that you will pass on his/her requests about
the arrangements to the retirement home as well as to the son.
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Patient Setting: Emergency Department
Friend accompanying Patient
You and your mate were having a game of touch football after a few drinks when your
mate fell and seems to have broken their arm. As you were over the alcohol limit to
drive, you hired a cab to take them to the public hospital emergency department. They
are in pain and you are feeling aggressive and angry. It has been over an hour and no
doctor has seen you. You are determined to get some action and soon. Refuse to
see reason.
TASK
 Tell the nurse you want a doctor to attend to your mate immediately.
 Insist it is their turn - others who came after them have been seen.
 Say he pays tax – they have a right to be seen without delay.
 Tell the nurse if she doesn’t act you’ll make trouble.

Nurse Setting: Emergency Department
You are a nurse in the Emergency Department of a public hospital. You are short
staffed and the available doctors are dealing with patients on a critical priority basis.
An aggressive person who has obviously been drinking has demanded a doctor see
their mate with a suspected broken arm immediately.
TASK
 Introduce yourself and explain your role.

 Acknowledge their concern for their mate and ask for details.
 Explain that a triage nurse has reviewed their friend and that they will be seen
as soon as possible.
 Explain that patients are seen in order of medical priority - not arrival time.
 Let the person know that he is disturbing other patients.
 Advise them that alcohol consumption/intoxication is not permitted on hospital
premises.
 Suggest they make arrangements to go home.
 Advise on hospital security staff action in cases of threatening behaviour.
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Patient Setting: Children’s Emergency Ward
You are the parent of Alistair, a three year old boy. You have brought your son to the
emergency ward with badly blistered hands. You and your partner also have a 3
month old baby daughter, Alison. Your partner had biscuits baking in the oven but
forgot about them when they went to attend to Alison who woke up crying. Alistair
decided to get the biscuits out of the oven and as a result badly blistered his hands.
Your partner rang you at work quite distraught so you have brought Alistair straight to
emergency. You believe your partner should have been more careful and made sure
Alistair was not alone in the kitchen. You are also very upset about the possibility that
as well as the trauma of the burns Alistair may now be disadvantaged when it comes
to taking up sport when he goes to school.
TASK
 Answer the nurse’s questions about what happened.
 Blame your partner for not being more careful.
 Be very anxious that the damage to his hands may make it difficult to do well at
sport when he starts school.
Nurse Setting: Children’s Emergency Ward
An upset parent has brought their three year old son Alistair to the emergency ward.
The boy has badly blistered hands as a result of an accident at home. The parent
seems to think his partner has been careless as they left the boy alone in the kitchen
while they were attending to the boy's baby sister.
TASK
 Ask how the accident happened.

 Explain that the child’s burns are superficial and should respond very well to
treatment.
 Point out that accidents concerning children are always very upsetting but even
with the best of care they can happen. Encourage him to reassure rather than
blame their partner.
 Add that any future sporting career is most unlikely to be effected.
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Patient Setting: Maternal & Child Welfare Clinic
You are a young mother. Your first child, an18 months old son Jack, who is usually a
very contented baby, has been crying and fretful for the last few days He has had
difficulty sleeping and keeps dribbling and chewing on his fingers. He also has a mild
fever. You wonder if he has caught a virus.
TASK
 Discuss your concerns with the nurse.

 Agree to let the nurse examine him.
 Ask what treatment she recommends.

Nurse Setting: Maternal & Child Welfare Clinic
You are a maternal and child welfare nurse. A young mother has brought her first
child, an 18-month-old son Jack, to see you. Jack has always been a very contented
baby but during the last few days he has been quite fretful and crying. His mother is
worried
TASK
 Ask the mother about her concerns.

 Suggest giving Jack a quick examination.
 Tell his mother his gum is inflamed and he is cutting his first molar tooth.
 Reassure her that teething problems usually settle quickly.
 Suggest the following to ease the pain:
 Contact the chemist about a recommended teething gel to massage into gum.
 Teething ring (kept cold in refrigerator) teething biscuits, piece of apple to chew
on.
 Give recommended dosage of Baby Paracetamol mixture as necessary to
relieve pain.
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Patient Setting: Baby Health Clinic
You are the mother of a 7-week-old baby boy. This is your first child. The baby has
been breast-feeding well but often cries after feeds and seems to be in pain. He
vomits small amounts of milk after most feeds and takes a long time to settle. You are
breast-feeding on demand or every 4 hours. Your baby’s weight has been satisfactory.
You are worried that your baby is sick and in need of medical attention.
TASK
 Describe your baby’s problems after breastfeeding.

 Answer the nurse’s questions about the feeding routine.
 Ask what causes reflux. Is it dangerous?
 Be hard to reassure as you are certain that there is something wrong with your
baby.

Nurse Setting: Baby Health Clinic
Your patient is the mother of a 7-week-old baby boy. The baby has been breast
feeding well but has been frequently vomiting small amounts of milk and crying after
feeds. The mother is worried that the baby has an illness and is very anxious to get
advice and treatment for her son.
TASK
 Ask the patient about her concerns for her baby.

 Ask the patient about the baby’s feeding patterns and problems.
 Explain your diagnosis of reflux (gastro-oesophageal reflux).
 Briefly describe the causes of reflux:
o Undeveloped muscle (valve) where food pipe joins the stomach.
o Can occur when baby’s stomach is full of milk and acid comes back up
food pipe causing discomfort.
 Describe the treatment for reflux:
o Feed baby in an upright position.
o Hold baby upright for 30 minutes after feeds.
o Try giving smaller more frequent feeds.
o Add a thickener to expressed breast milk for 2 weeks.
 Reassure mother that baby is not sick and will improve with the right treatment.
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Patient Setting: Rural Community Health Clinic
You are visiting your local community health clinic today because your GP is on
holidays and the locum who is replacing him is fully booked for the next few days. You
have been feeling unwell for a few days. Symptoms include mild fever, tiredness,
nausea & recent vomiting. In addition you have noticed that your eyes have a yellowish
tinge and your urine is dark. You have recently returned from a holiday in India and you
wonder if this could be the cause of your condition. Although while you were in India,
you stayed in first class hotels and took precautions such as drinking bottled water only
and avoiding local food.
TASK
 Describe your symptoms to the nurse.

 Express concern at the diagnosis as you are a frequent traveler and are always
careful.
 Ask about treatment options & recovery time.

Nurse Setting: Rural Community Health Clinic
A patient has come to see you today because their regular doctor is on holidays and
the locum is fully booked for the next few days. They are presenting with symptoms
suspicious of hepatitis A including mild fever, tiredness, nausea, vomiting and jaundice.
TASK
 Ask the patient about the symptoms.

 Explain that you are suspicious of hepatitis A and that they will need blood tests
including Liver Function Test (LFTs) to confirm the diagnosis.
 Recommend that the patient contact his regular GP’s receptionist, explain the
situation and request that he be fitted in to see the locum ASAP.
 Explain that hepatitis A is a virus and that it can spread through contaminated
food & water, eating utensils, poor hygiene practices. It is more common in
developing countries than Australia.
 People with hepatitis A are considered infectious for a week after the onset of
jaundice.
 Explain the usual duration of the illness (about 1 month to fully recover).
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Patient Setting: Hospital Diabetic Clinic
You are a 60-year-old who was diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic 12 months ago. You
have come to the clinic because you have sustained a cut to your left foot about 6
weeks ago while doing gardening work in the back yard. You thought it was a minor cut
and so you didn’t take much notice of it. Your foot has now become inflamed and
swollen.
TASK
 Describe to the nurse what happened with your foot.

 Answer the nurse’s questions.
 Be defensive and say that you didn’t understand the problems that diabetics can
have with their feet.
 Complain that you find it hard to find comfortable shoes.

Nurse Setting: Hospital Diabetic Clinic
Your patient is a 60-year-old type 2 diabetic who has presented to the clinic with a
severely infected left foot. There is a lot of redness and swelling
TASK
 Ask about the details of the cut.

 Firmly explain that your patient has left it very late to seek treatment and this
can result in ulceration and possibly amputation if left untreated.
 Reassure the patient that appropriate medical care will be given to treat the
infected cut (dressing & antibiotics).
 Explain the importance of proper shoe fit to avoid friction, stress and pressure
sores.
 Give instructions about essential foot care for diabetics.
o Inspect feet daily.
o Look for signs of cuts, blisters or swelling.
o Keep feet clean and dry - especially between toes.
o Keep toenails trimmed and cut across toenail.
o Change socks daily
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Patient Setting: Interstate Transport Company
You are a truck driver with a large Interstate Road Transport Company. The company
has recently employed an Occupational Health and Safety Nurse and is encouraging
staff to make an appointment to see the nurse about any health concerns. The service
is free and confidential. You are aged 45 and have not seen a doctor for at least 15
years. Your father died of a stroke at age 55 so you want to get your blood pressure
checked. You don’t smoke, are a bit overweight, don’t exercise much and like a few
beers after work and at the weekend. Eat mainly take away foods on the job –
hamburgers and chips.
TASK
 Answer the nurse’s questions.

 Admit you could be fitter.
 Ask for advice on how to avoid a stroke.

Nurse Setting: Interstate Transport Company
You are employed by a large interstate road transport company as an Occupational

Health and Safety Nurse. The company encourages staff to see you about any health
concerns. The service is free and confidential. A truck driver aged 45 has come to
see you. Weight 82 kg Ht 178 BP check 150 /90.
TASK
 Ask about his health concerns.

 Ask about his lifestyle ie diet, exercise smoking/drinking habits.
 Check when he last visited a GP.
 Advise BP indicates borderline hypertension and should be checked regularly.
 Stress importance of commencing regular check- ups with GP.
 Recommend:
o reducing weight by healthy eating habits – less fat and less salt.
o reducing alcohol intake.
o 30 minutes exercise 4-5 times a week.
o Setting: Interstate Road Transport Company
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Patient Setting: Children’s Hospital – Emergency Department
You are the sole parent of a 12-year-old daughter, Isabelle. She is your only child and
fell from a tree, which she was climbing with a friend. She was knocked unconscious.
When she regained consciousness she vomited and you noticed her pupils were
dilated and seemed unequal. You rushed her to the Emergency Dept. The doctor has
ordered a CT Scan and X-rays. You are very upset and do not want to leave her side.
The emergency nurse wants you to wait in a waiting room while the procedures are
carried out. You are frightened she could have a brain injury. Insist that you should
stay with her.
TASK
 Tell the nurse about your circumstances and how the accident happened.
 Insist you must be with her in case she needs comfort.
 Say you are scared she may have a serious brain injury.
 Insist that you need to be with her so you will know immediately what is wrong.

Nurse Setting: Children’s Hospital – Emergency Department
You are an emergency nurse at a Children’s Hospital. A parent has arrived at hospital.
Isabelle has just been admitted after a fall from a tree. A skull fracture is suspected.
The doctor has ordered a CT scan and X-rays. Her parent is demanding to go with her
daughter rather than wait in the waiting room while the procedures are done. This is
hospital policy in such instances.
TASK
 Inform the parent of the accident details.

 Be sympathetic and as reassuring as possible.
 Acknowledge that a skull fracture is suspected and that is why it is important
that the CT scan and X-ray be undertaken quickly.
 Explain why the parent needs to remain in the waiting room.
 Try to convince them that the results won’t be known until the doctor sees them
at which time they will be called.
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Patient Setting: Coronary Care unit
You are a 79-year-old who had a mild heart attack last night and was rushed to the
emergency department. You have been experiencing intermittent chest pain for
several years. This is your first heart attack. You have not been on any cardiac
medication. The attending cardiologist has advised you to have an angiogram. You are
feeling very worried about this as it is an invasive procedure. Your doctor has asked
the coronary care nurse to explain the angiogram procedure to you
TASK
 Explain your fears about the angiogram to the nurse Continue to talk about your
fear of the procedure. Why is it necessary?
 You don’t fully understand the procedure
 The doctor briefly mentioned a small chance of serious complications
 Continue to talk about your fear of the procedure. Why is it necessary?
 Tell the nurse that you are not ready to have the procedure. You would like time
to think about it and seek another opinion.

Nurse Setting: Coronary Care unit
Your patient is a 79-year-old who presented to emergency last night with chest pain,
nausea and vomiting. An ECG and blood tests showed evidence of a mild myocardial
infarction. The cardiologist recommended an angiogram to be performed but the
patient feels anxious and unprepared. The attending cardiologist has asked you to
explain the procedure and associated risks to the patient.
TASK
 Ask the patient about his/her concerns

 Briefly explain the angiogram procedure-Rays taken to see the heart vessels in
detail
o Sedation given
o Catheter usually placed in wrist or groin and guided into the heart
 X-Rays taken to see the heart vessels in detail
 Reassure and explain that complications are rare (reaction to dye, stroke,
cardiac arrest, death)
 Explain that angiogram is the best way to know the condition of the arteries and
to check for any blockages
 Accept that the patient wants to seek another opinion before having the
angiogram
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Patient Setting: Emergency Department
You are a 45-year-old high school teacher. You have had a lot of stress at work lately.
This morning you experienced sudden chest pain accompanied by breathlessness and
a rapid heart rate. You thought you were having a heart attack. You called the
ambulance and now you are in the emergency department waiting for treatment and a
diagnosis. The medical staff does not seem to be overly concerned about your
condition. You are upset and agitated. You have not experienced these symptoms
before.
TASK
 Complain about distressing symptoms of breathlessness, chest pain and heart

palpitations and shaking
 Complain that the medical staff is not doing anything to treat you
 Express your anxious thoughts & feelings Be annoyed with the nurse. You can’t
calm down because of your symptoms.
o You think you could die
o You might be having a heart attack
 Be annoyed with the nurse. You can’t calm down because of your symptoms.

Nurse Setting: Emergency Department
Your patient is a 45-year-old who is being admitted for shortness of breath, heart
palpitations and chest pain. The patient is highly anxious and stressed by these
physical symptoms. The attending GP has decided to carry out some diagnostic tests.
The provisional diagnosis is panic attack.
TASK
 Ask about the patient’s symptoms

 Reassure the patient & acknowledge patient’s anxiety
 Instruct patient to do deep breathing exercises and to calm down
 Explain that the appropriate tests will be performed (Heart monitor (ECG), BP,
Blood test)
 Continue to advise patient to calm down
 Refer patient to counseling for anxiety and to prevent panic attacks.
26
27
The OET Centre
PO Box 16136
Collins Street West
VIC 8007 Australia
Tel: +61 3 8656 4000
www.occupationalenglishtest.org
STATEMENT OF RESULTS
CANDIDATE DETAILS:
First Name Priyanka
Middle Names
Last Name Joseph
Candidate Number 200002124
Date of Birth 17 Mar 1987
Nationality Indian
Gender Female
TEST DETAILS:
Venue Name Planet EDU Coimbatore.
Venue Number IN006
Venue Country India
Test date 07 Feb 2020
Profession Nursing
TEST RESULTS
Sujata Stead
CEO, CBLA
Recognising organisations are required to validate this Statement of Results through our verification portal at
https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/organisations/results-verification/
OET is owned by Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Trust (CBLA), a venture between Cambridge English and Box Hill Institute.
OET results to OET score from
OET band descriptors
August 2018 September 2018
500 Can communicate very fluently and effectively with

490 patients and health professionals using
A 480
470
appropriate register, tone and lexis. Shows
complete understanding of any kind of written or
460 spoken language.
450
440
430
420
Can communicate effectively with patients and
410
health professionals using appropriate register,
B 400
390
tone and lexis, with only occasional inaccuracies
and hesitations. Shows good understanding in a
380
range of clinical contexts.
370
360
350
340
330
C+ 320
310
300
Can maintain the interaction in a relevant

290 healthcare environment despite occasional errors
280 and lapses, and follow standard spoken language
270 normally encountered in his/her field of
260 specialisation.
C 250
240
230
220
210
200
190
180 Can maintain some interaction and understand
170 straightforward factual information in his/her field
160 of specialisation, but may ask for clarification.
D 150
140
Frequent errors, inaccuracies and mis-or overuse
of technical language can cause strain in
130 communication.
120
110
100
90
80 Can manage simple interaction on familiar topics
70 and understand the main point in short, simple
60 messages, provided he/she can ask for
E 50
40
clarification. High density of errors and mis- or
overuse of technical language can cause
30 significant strain and breakdowns in
20 communication.
10
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SPEAKING SUB-TEST

OET PRACTICE 2008

ROLE PLAYER'S CARD NO. 1 NURSING

SETTING Maternity Ward

- Ask how soon you should expect to be able to go home.

OET PRACTICE 2008

CANDIDATE'S CARD NO. 1 NURSING

SETTING Maternity Ward

TASK - Respond sympathetically to the patient's demands and questions.

OET PRACTICE 2008

ROLE PLAYER'S CARD NO. 2 NURSING

SETTING Hospital ward

OET PRACTICE 2008

CANDIDATE'S CARD NO. 2 NURSING

SETTING Hospital Ward

TASK - Answer the patient's questions in a reassuring manner.

OET PRACTICE 2008

ROLE PLAYER'S CARD NO. 3 NURSING

SETTING Day Clinic

- Be concerned about longterm use of the suggested medication and be reluctant

OET PRACTICE 2008

CANDIDATE'S CARD NO. 3 NURSING

SETTING Day Clinic

OET PRACTICE 2008

ROLE PLAYER'S CARD NO. 4 NURSING

SETTING Hospital ward

OET PRACTICE 2008

CANDIDATE'S CARD NO. 4 NURSING

SETTING Hospital ward

OET PRACTICE 2008

ROLE PLAYER'S CARD NO. 5 NURSING

SETTING Hospital Ward

Nullipara: a woman who has not given birth to a viable infant

- Display anxiety and persist with questions about your medication -

- Further express anxiety about losing this baby.

OET PRACTICE 2008

CANDIDATE'S CARD NO. 5 NURSING

SETTING Hospital ward

NURSE This 29 year-old nullipara woman is diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum

Nullipara: a woman who has not given birth to a viable infant

TASK - Answer the patient's questions. Explain that hyperemesis gravidarum

- Ensure all the patient's concerns are dealt with.

OET PRACTICE 2008

ROLE PLAYER'S CARD NO. 6 NURSING

SETTING Intensive Care Unit

- Ask how the risk of clots can be minimsed.

OET PRACTICE 2008

CANDIDATE'S CARD NO. 6 NURSING

SETTING Intensive Care Unit

TASK - Reassure the patient and answer her/ his questions.

OET PRACTICE 2008

ROLE PLAYER'S CARD NO. 7 NURSING

SETTING Paediatrics ward

- What should he eat and drink?

- When can friends visit? When can he return to school?

OET PRACTICE 2008

CANDIDATE'S CARD NO. 7 NURSING

SETTING Paediatrics ward

- Explain to the parent how to administer his medication.

- Answer the parent's questions.

OET PRACTICE 2008

ROLE PLAYER'S CARD NO. 8 NURSING

SETTING Hospital ward

OET PRACTICE 2008

TASK Find out if your child’s arm is broken.

Be hesitant to listen to advice, but reluctantly agree to try quitting

Ask for alternative destressing methods

TASK Explain the effect of smoking on long-term conditions

TASK Answer the nurse’s questions about your family situation.

TASK Explain your concerns to the nurse.

TASK Tell her about the difficulty in swallowing or speaking

TASK Begin with warm and friendly greetings.

When you can go to your home

Is there anything you can do to bring improvement in your present

He / she will be alright soon

He / she can take the exam as well

Advice him / her of the importance of taking medicine on time

TASK Ask for information and clarification from the nurse

Tell her how scared you are

See reassurance and information from the nurse.