Study Guide

for OET
Speaking and writing

with 5 Practice test

Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018 1

 “Patients in their journey through the health care system are
entitled to be treated with respect and honesty, and to be involved
wherever possible in decisions about their treatment.”
(Kennedy, 2001)

Download IRS Online app

Study Guide for

Occupational English Test
5 Practice test included

Milen Jacob

First Published: 2018

Copyright: IRS Group
Kottayam | Kochi | Hyderabad

[Link]

2 Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018

Occupational English Test
Test format
OET is an international English language test that assesses the language communication skills of
healthcare professionals who seek to register and practise in English-speaking countries such as
Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Ireland.

OET is a test developed for 12 healthcare professions: Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry,
Physiotherapy, Radiography, Speech Pathology, Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Po-
diatry, and Veterinary Science

OET assesses all four language skills - listening, reading, writing and speaking - with an emphasis
on communication in a healthcare environment.

There is a separate sub-test for each skill area. The Listening and Reading sub-tests are designed
to assess the ability to understand spoken and written English in contexts related to general health
and medicine. The sub-tests for Listening and Reading are common to all professions.

The Writing and Speaking sub-tests are specific to each profession and are designed to assess
the ability to use English appropriately in a relevant professional context.

The four components of OET

Paper (duration) Content Shows candidates can:
Listening 3 tasks follow and understand a range of health related
(approx. 45 minutes) Common to all 12 professions spoken materials such as patient consultations
and lectures.

Reading (60 minutes) 3 tasks read and understand different types of text on
Common to all 12 professions health-related subjects.

Writing (45 minutes) 1 task write a letter in a clear and accurate way which
Reading time: 5 minutes Specific to each profession is relevant for the reader.
Writing time: 40 minutes

Speaking 2 tasks effectively communicate in a real-life context

(20 minutes) Specific to each profession through the use of role-plays.

Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018 3

 Writing
The Writing sub-test consists of one task and takes 45 minutes.
The candidates take this part of OET using materials specifically produced for their profession – a
nurse does the task for nursing, a dentist does the task for dentistry, and so on.

The candidates receives the question which includes case notes of a patient and the writing task.
The first five minutes of the test is reading time. During this time, the candidates can study the task
and notes (but not write, underline or make any notes of their own).

For the remaining 40 minutes, the candidate writes their response to the task. They write in the
printed answer booklet provided, which also has space for rough work. They can write in pen or
pencil.

Candidates are asked to write a letter (referral, transfer or advice) to another health professional,
patient or client based on a set of clinical case notes. It must consist of approximately 180-200
words. The type of letter and audience is specific to each profession.

The letter must record treatment offered to date and the issues to be addressed by the health
professional, patient or client, drawing selectively on the stimulus material presented in the case
notes.

What writing skills are tested?

The task in the Writing sub-test allows candidates to demonstrate that they can write a letter based
on a typical workplace situation and the demands of their profession. The letter may be a referral
letter, a letter of transfer or discharge, or a letter to advise or inform a patient or carer.

Assessment criteria for writing

Overall task fulfilment

– whether all aspects of the task are fulfilled, and whether the response is of the required length.

Appropriateness of language

– the use of appropriate vocabulary and tone in the response

– whether it is organised appropriately.

Comprehension of stimulus

– whether the response shows candidates have understood the situation and provided relevant
rather than unnecessary information to their reader.

Control of linguistic features (grammar and cohesion)

– effectiveness in using the grammatical structures and cohesive devices

Control of presentation features (spelling, punctuation and layout)

– how these areas affect the message candidates want to communicate.

4 Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018
 Speaking
The speaking test is approximately for 20 minutes
The Speaking sub-test is specific to each profession, based on a typical workplace situation and
the demands of the profession.

The test assesses candidates’ ability to communicate in English, in a simulated health-related

consultation.

It consists of two simulated consultations in the form of face-toface role-plays between a patient
and a health practitioner. The candidate takes the role of the practitioner and the interviewer plays
the patient or patient’s relative/carer (or for veterinary science, the animal’s owner/carer).

This subtest is in three parts:

1. Warm-up conversation (not assessed)

The purpose of the warm-up conversation is to explain the format of the test and to help the
candidate to relax.

The interviewer will also ask about areas of professional interest, previous work, etc.

2. First role play (assessed)

The candidate is given a role play card. The candidate has about three minutes to read the
role card and prepare. Once the preparation time is over, the interlocuter will ask the candi-
date to start the role play. The role play lasts for about 5 minutes.

3. Second role play (assessed)

The above procedure is repeated with a different role card.

The whole interview is recorded. It is important that the candidate and the interviewer speak
clearly so that the assessor can understand everything that is said. Two role plays are pro-
vided to ensure the assessment is fair. The assessment is based on both role plays.

Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018 5

Assessment criteria for speaking

Linguistic criteria (6 marks each)

Overall communicative effectiveness

- taking the initiative
- organising and managing the interaction
Intelligibility
- sounds
- stress
- intonation
Fluency
- speed and rate
- flow
Appropriateness
- professional language
- language appropriate to the situation
Resources of grammar and expression.
- accuracy and range
- effective and natural communication

Communication criteria (3 marks each)

Relationship-building
- initiating the interaction appropriately
- demonstrating an attentive and respectful attitude
- adopting a non-judgemental approach
- showing empathy for the patient’s predicament)
Understanding and incorporating the patient’s perspective
- eliciting and exploring the patient’s concerns
- picking up cues from the patient about his/her needs
- relating explanations to the patient’s concerns and needs
Providing structure
- sequencing the interaction purposefully and logically
- using techniques for organising explanations
- signposting changes in topic
Information-gathering
- including appropriate use of open or closed questions
- supporting the patient’s narrative with active listening
- clarifying statements that are vague or need amplification
- summarising information to encourage correction or invite further information
Information-giving
- including establishing what the patient already knows
- giving information in appropriate-sized chunks
- checking whether the patient has understood information
- discovering what further information the patient needs

6 Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018

 Practice test 1

Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018 7

OCCUPATIONAL ENGLISH TEST

WRITING SUB-TEST 1 : NURSING

TIME ALLOWED : READING TIME: 5 MINUTES
WRITING TIME: 40 MINUTES

Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows.

Notes :
Patient : Mrs Eiden McGrath, (DOB: 16-08-1962)

Social Background : Fashion writer, loves entertaining and socialising

Occasional drinker (alcohol)

Single

Medical Background : 2009 Hypertension

2012 Ovarian cancer identified, Hysterectomy performed
2014 Car accident - admitted with concussion
Loss of memory for few days
5 September 2018

Reason for presenting: Foot ulcer

Pt complaining of tiredness and lethargy
Blood test performed
Elevated blood sugar levels (240 mg/dL - oral glucose tolerance)
Doctor’s consultation: Metformin prescribed

Found to be not consistent in hypertension medication

Nursing management: Explained type 2 diabetes

Explained medication

Brochure on diabetes management given

Suggests pt to meet podiatrist

Reduction of alcohol intake advised

8 Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018

 Discussed importance of healthy diet & exercise

Follow up visit in 1 week

Writing Task:

Using the information given in the case notes, write a letter to the Podiatrist at City Podiatry
Centre, Swanston St, Melbourne outlining the patient’s relevant history and current circumstances,
including your management.

In your answer:

Expand the relevant notes into complete sentences

Do not use note form

Use letter format

The body of the letter should be approximately 180–200 words.

Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018 9

OCCUPATIONAL ENGLISH TEST
WRITING SUB-TEST: NURSING
SAMPLE RESPONSE: LETTER

City Podiatry Centre

Swanston St
Melbourne

5 September 2018

RE: Eiden McGrath

Dear Podiatrist,

Mrs Eiden McGrath, a 56-year-old attended this clinic today.

She presented with a foot ulcer possibly due to diabetes accompanied with general tiredness and
lethargy.
Her observations showed an elevated blood sugar level and the doctor has diagnosed type 2
diabetes. She has been prescribed with metformin. She has been hypertensive, which is fairly well
managed.
All aspects of the type 2 diabetes have been explained and she has also been provided with infor-
mation leaflets and brochure regarding the management of diabetes. Mrs McGrath was asked to
reduce her consumption of alcohol besides taking up exercise and diet modifications.
Her foot ulcer needs to be managed and your advice and treatment will be helpful for her recovery.
We will review her diabetes in one week.
Do not hesitate to contact me with any queries.
Yours sincerely,
Nurse

10 Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018

 SPEAKING SUB-TEST 1
ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. 1 NURSING
SETTING Maternal and Child Health Centre

PATIENT You are an 18 year old single parent and have brought your first child, a
three month baby boy, to the Maternal and Child Health Centre as he has
developed nappy rash. You are upset and ashamed. You change him
regularly and always use a good strong disinfectant to clean the changing
table and always wash the baby thoroughly with a good soap.

TASK „ Explain your concerns to the nurse

„ Ask why this has happened
„ How it can be treated
„ What steps your should take to prevent it happening again

CANDIDATE CARD NO. 1 NURSING

SETTING Maternal and Child Health Centre

NURSE A young single mother has brought her three month old son (her first child) to
the clinic. She is upset and ashamed because he has developed nappy
rash. She changes his nappies regularly, uses a strong disinfectant to clean
the changing area and washes the baby thoroughly with soap.
TASK
„ Identify reason for coming
„ Reassure the mother that nappy rash can occur in well looked after
babies
„ Ask about the disinfectant used and explain that babies’ skin is quite
sensitive
„ Recommend that:
- she makes sure that her son’s skin does not come into contact with disinfectant
- instead of soap that she uses a gentle skin cleaner such a Cetaphil
„ Suggest the use of pawpaw ointment or zinc and castor oil cream,
available from local pharmacist, to prevent and heal nappy rash.

Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018 11

ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. 2 NURSING
SETTING Community Health Centre

PATIENT You are aged 48 years. You have been recently diagnosed with high
cholesterol levels. The doctor has referred you to the community nurse
for a follow up visit. You are extremely busy with work and family.

TASK „ When asked, discuss your lifestyle choices (e.g. smoking, diet etc.)
„ Express concern at the diagnosis.
„ Argue that you have been following an exercise regimen (you
have been jogging twice a week)
„ Be reluctant to start medications (You feel that it is unnecessary)
„ Express your inability to frequently take blood tests and make
clinic visits
„ Finally agree to follow the advice

CANDIDATE CARD NO. 2 NURSING

SETTING Community Health Centre

NURSE You have been advised by the doctor to follow up on a 48-year-old patient
with high cholesterol. The doctor’s advice says that his/her cholesterol level
is 330 mg/dL. He/she is reluctant to frequent the clinic as he/she is busy
with work and family.
TASK
„ Find out about the lifestyle choices of the patient that may lead to
high cholesterol levels (diet, smoking etc)
„ Explain what the cholesterol numbers mean (cholesterol level is
considered high if patient has total cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or
higher).
„ Reassure the patient that the cholesterol levels can be managed with
proper medication and lifestyle modification
„ Explain the healthier alternatives and interventions suitable for the
patient
„ Request the patient to follow up consistently with tests and visits

12 Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018

 Practice test 2

Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018 13

OCCUPATIONAL ENGLISH TEST

WRITING SUB-TEST 2 : NURSING

TIME ALLOWED : READING TIME: 5 MINUTES
WRITING TIME: 40 MINUTES

Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows.

Notes :
Patient Details : Wayne Johnson

Age : 65 years

First attended to : 25-6-2018

Medical issue : Progressive back pain with gait instability

Bladder and bowel abnormalities

Mental state : Alert, has OCD

Social/family : Worked as a lumber jack

Stays with family

property in a hilly area

shows confidence in recovery

able to manage mood fluctuations

Medical history : Known case of hypertension and diabetes melitis

Appendectomy performed 8 years ago

First visit back pain and paraplegia

Bowel, bladder incontinence

Patient advised wheelchair for mobility

Suggested social worker for support

visit was scheduled every month

Present situation : MRI shows Lycric lesion in lumbar vertebrae

Renal functions deranged

14 Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018

 A/G ratio deranged

Urine electrophoresis shows M band

Biopsy confirms multiple myeloma

Underwent spinal fixation

Requires radiotherapy and further management

Needs Taylor brace for increased mobility

Writing Task:

Using the information given in the case notes, write a letter of referral to Dr Juliet Maria, Chief
Oncologist, Hill Blake Speciality Hospital, 45 Orchard Avenue, Swanfield outlining the need for
further management.

In your answer:

Expand the relevant notes into complete sentences

Do not use note form

Use letter format

The body of the letter should be approximately 180–200 words.

Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018 15

OCCUPATIONAL ENGLISH TEST
WRITING SUB-TEST: NURSING
SAMPLE RESPONSE: LETTER

Dr Juliet Maria,
Chief Oncologist,
Hill Blake Speciality Hospital,
45 Orchard Avenue,
Swanfield

19 October 2018

RE: Wayne Johnson, aged 65 years

Dear Dr Maria,

This letter is to introduce Mr Johnson who is now managing multiple myeloma after spinal fixation.
He requires further therapy to treat the condition.
A backpain with paraplegia four months ago precipitated to bladder and bowel abnormalities for Mr
Johnson. After progressive deterioration in gait stability was observed, an MRI was performed which
revealed lycric lesions in lumbar vertebreae. On examination renal functions were found to be
deranged and albumin globulin ratio reversed. Further investigations showed an M band for uterine
electrophoresis. A biopsy confirmed multiple myeloma.
Although Mr Johnson used to work, his gait is now unstable. He requires radiotherapy sessions to
treat the condition and a Taylor brace for mobility.
Your expert assessment and advice in this situation is greatly appreciated and will benefit Mr
Johnson through his recovery.
Kind regards

Charge Nurse

16 Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018

 SPEAKING SUB-TEST 2
ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. 1 NURSING
SETTING Operating Theatre – Recovery Room

PATIENT You are aged 80. You have woken up following hip replacement surgery and
are having trouble getting your thoughts together. Keep asking for your daugh-
ter 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

CANDIDATE CARD NO. 1 NURSING

SETTING Operating Theatre – Recovery Room

NURSE You are a nurse in an operating theatre recovery room. Your 80-year-old
patient is recovering after hip replacement surgery. He/she is receiving IV
fluids. He/she has been able to tell you his/her name but seems confused
about where he/she is. He/she keeps asking to see his/her daughter and to
have a cup of tea.
TASK
„ Explain him/her the situation (about the surgery, anesthesia etc.)
„ Check for understanding and orientation
„ Re-explain if necessary
„ Advise him/her that her daughter is waiting to see him/her in the post-
operative ward
„ Explain that hospital policy excludes visitors from the recovery room
(to reduce the risk of infection, etc.)
„ Explain why he/she cannot have fluids by mouth at this stage (risk of
aspiration, effect of anesthesia)
„ Assure him/her that he/she will be taken back to the ward shortly.

Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018 17

ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. 2 NURSING
SETTING Hospital Ward

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.

CANDIDATE CARD NO. 2 NURSING

SETTING Hospital Ward

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 sur-
gery. 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 daugh-
ter 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.
„ Discuss matters with the daughter to prevent her from insisting her
father should be discharged (assure her that you are starting an IV
infusion and he will be fine, discharge is risky).

18 Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018

 Practice test 3

Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018 19

OCCUPATIONAL ENGLISH TEST

WRITING SUB-TEST 3 : NURSING

TIME ALLOWED : READING TIME: 5 MINUTES
WRITING TIME: 40 MINUTES

Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows.

Notes :
PaYou are a Registered Nurse on the Cardiology Unit at St Jude’s Hospital where Mr Oakes was
admitted after a heart attack.

Patient : Mr Samuel Oakes

Age : 44 years

Admission date : 10 January 2014

Discharge date : 13 January 2014

Allergies : Aspirin, Penicillin

Presenting Problem : Myocardial infarction 10/1 – sudden, crushing chest pain

Bought in by ambulance from work

Past medical problems : weight gain over past 5 years. Now mildly obese – 90 kg
Hypertension – takes anti-hypertensives
Family history of heart disease (mother had 3 heart
attacks – died young)
Repair of inguinal hernia age 20
deaf in left ear – wears hearing aid
Social history : High stress job – executive at IT company
poor diet – eats out a lot, high fat intake
moderate to high alcohol intake – socializes with work
colleagues 2-3 times/week
non smoker
intermittent exercise – tends to join a gym for a month then
quits

20 Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018

Treatment : 10/1 O/A Blood taken for cardiac markers and ECG – ST
elevation

11/1 Coronary Angioplasty with i/o stent

Blood taken – high cholesterol levels identified. Pt worried about

taking statins.

12/1 Commenced anticoagulant daily (clopidogrel as allergic to

aspirin). Agreed to commence Simvastatin 40 mg daily. Chest pain –
relieved by GTN spray. ECG – no extension of MI

13/1 Nil chest pain. Obs. stable – BP stabilizing. Consult with

hospital dietician re weight loss programme.

Discharge plan :

1. Cardiac Rehab for post MI education especially statins – encourage patient to keep taking
statins – need to understand side-effects and interactions (eg. grapefruit).
Check BP weekly. Report increased BP
2. Cardiac rehab – develop cardiac exercise programme – monitor compliance with programme
3. Encourage adherence to weight loss programme – weekly wt. until follow up at Cardiac Clinic.
4. Cardiac Clinic appt 6 wks – to be sent to patient.

Writing Task:

Using the information given in the case notes, write a referral letter to the Nurse In Charge,
Ms Petra McGovern at the Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinic, St Jude’s Hospital, 56 Chelmsford St,
Nowton NSW 2376 for cardiac rehabilitation.

In your answer:

Expand the relevant notes into complete sentences

Do not use note form

Use letter format

The body of the letter should be approximately 180–200 words.

Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018 21

OCCUPATIONAL ENGLISH TEST
WRITING SUB-TEST: NURSING
SAMPLE RESPONSE: LETTER

Ms Petra McGovern
Cardiac Rehabilitaiton Clinic
St. Jude Hospital
56 Chelmsford St
Nowton NSW 2376

13 January, 2014

Re: Samuel Oakes, aged 44

Dear Ms McGovern,

I am writing to refer Mr Oakes who is recovering from a myocardial infarction. Mr Oakes was
admitted to hospital following sudden, crushing chest pain. Based on an ECG and blood test, he
has been diagnosed with myocardial infarction with high cholesterol levels. He also has hyperten-
sion which is controlled by medication.
During hospitalization, he underwent a coronary angioplasty. He has started taking Clopidogrel and
Simvastation 40 mg daily. In addition, he has been seen by a dietitian for weight loss management.
Mr Oakes works in a high stress occupation and has a poor diet. In addition, he does insufficient
exercise and has a moderate to high alcohol intake. As well as this, he has a family history of heart
disease.
Could you please educate him about statins and their interactions as part of his cardiac rehab?
Could you also check his blood pressure weekly? Would you please arrange a cardiac exercise
program for him and monitor compliance with the program? Please encourage him to adhere to the
weight loss program and weigh him weekly before his next clinic appointment in six weeks’ time.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely
Registered Nurse

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 SPEAKING SUB-TEST 3
ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. 1 NURSING
SETTING Psyciatric Ward

PATIENT You are a 32 year old bi-polar patient on some anti-maniac medica-
tion,
however you are not taking 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...
- 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
(drowsiness, tiredness, lack of concentration, mood swings,
temperaments, etc).

CANDIDATE CARD NO. 1 NURSING

SETTING Psyciatric Ward

NURSE Your 32 year old patient was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, when conduct-
ing a therapy session, you find out that the patient is not complying with medi-
cation regimen.

TASK „ Greet the patient warmly

„ Take a brief history of the patient
„ Ask about the current difficulty and find out details about non-
compliance
„ Counsel the patient regarding the condition and its management
(being self-conscious, seeking understanding and help from peers,
etc).
„ Emphasize the need to continue the medication without fail
„ Offer other solutions (meditation, hobbies, etc).

Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018 23

ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. 2 NURSING
SETTING Urology Center

PATIENT You are a 40-year-old primary school teacher, also a mother of 6 chil-
dren, your students give you a nickname: Mrs Rainy because you al-
ways wet your trousers, which is caused by pressure-induced inconti-
nence, 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-inflam
matorymedication
„ 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

CANDIDATE CARD NO. 2 NURSING

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 „ Explain that a medicine cannot be prescribed without proper

diagnosis
„ Find out what problems exactly the patient has without being un
friendly or impolite
„ Reassure her and tell her of the possible causes and treatment
available (Pelvic floor muscle exercises, Medications, Pads and
catheters etc).
„ Persuade her to start with an appropriate treatment regimen and
follow up

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 Practice test 4

Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018 25

OCCUPATIONAL ENGLISH TEST

WRITING SUB-TEST 4 : NURSING

TIME ALLOWED : READING TIME: 5 MINUTES
WRITING TIME: 40 MINUTES

Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows.

Notes :
PaYou are a registered Nurse in the pediatric isolation ward of Calvary Hospital, Bruce,
Canberra.

Patient Details:

Name : Steve Gladson (7 years)

Mother : Susan Gladson

DOA : 9/3/17

Reason for Admission: Complaints of high fever, body pain & head aches

Rashes, (water-filled blisters) red colour over face, hands and

back

Diagnosis : Chicken pox (1st attack)

Physical Examination: Height 47.8 “

Weight 50 pounds

V/s Temp 390 C, P/r 90/min Resp 18/min

Family background : Lives with mother, grandma and 2 siblings, Mark (10 yrs), Julian

(4 yrs).

Good family bonding

Father, Gladson Clark works abroad

Social Background : School going, very active

Many friends, best friend – Cathy (she had chicken pox and is on
leave from school – possible cause of disease transmission)

Psycho-sexual developmental stage : Latency

26 Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018
Medical History : Frequent fever, cold

Fever last month – taken treatment

Allergic to eggs and tomato

Immunization schedule incomplete (same for all 3 children)

Treatment Plan : Adequate rest and good food

Tab Ibuprufen 250 mg TID (?fever)

Tab Piritone 5 mg BID

Increase fluid intake (fresh juice & water)

Emollient calamine lotion for rashes and itching

Precautions (family) : Chicken pox highly contagious

Causative organism Varicella Zoster virus

Mode of transmission – droplets

Incubation period – 11 to 14 days

Chances of spreading exist till the blisters got healed and dried up

Avoid travelling and close contact with neighbours, friends &

relatives

Vaccinate siblings (if not vaccinated) within 5 days

Parents - take booster vaccination dose

Writing Task:

Using the information in the case notes, write an advice letter to the mother of Steve, informing
her about chances of disease transmission and necessary precautions to be taken.

In your answer:

Expand the relevant notes into complete sentences

Do not use note form

Use letter format

The body of the letter should be approximately 180–200 words.

Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018 27

OCCUPATIONAL ENGLISH TEST
WRITING SUB-TEST: NURSING
SAMPLE RESPONSE: LETTER

Ms Susan Gladson

09 March, 2017

Dear Ms Gladson,

I am writing to make you aware of the disease condition - Chicken Pox and its transmission as well
as the necessary precautions to be taken by your family.
Chicken Pox is a highly contagious viral disease and is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus. Be-
sides, this disease is transmitted through droplets and the time period between catching an infec-
tion and the appearing of symptoms will be eleven to fourteen days. Chicken Pox infection appears
about 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus. The disease results in characteristic skin rashes
that form small itchy blisters. Frequent fever could also be observed.
Please note that the chances of the infection spreading is quite high until it is completely healed and
dried up.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could encourage the family to drink plenty of fluids, especially
fruit juice and water. Moreover, kindly avoid travel or close contact with neighbours, friends and
relatives. Kindly ensure that the other children in the family are vaccinated, and the adults get a
booster dose.
Please contact me if you have any queries regarding Steve’s care or the precautions for the family.

Yours sincerely
Registered Nurse

28 Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018

 SPEAKING SUB-TEST 4
ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. 1 NURSING
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.

CANDIDATE CARD NO. 1 NURSING

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

Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018 29

ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. 2 NURSING
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(exercise, diet, etc.).

CANDIDATE CARD NO. 2 NURSING

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 (about 2 weeks)

„ He/she can take the exam as well

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

exposure to sunlight.

„ Suggest some easy exercises that will help bring some

improvement in his /her knee(strecthing, etc).

30 Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018

 Practice test 5

Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018 31

OCCUPATIONAL ENGLISH TEST

WRITING SUB-TEST 5 : NURSING

TIME ALLOWED : READING TIME: 5 MINUTES
WRITING TIME: 40 MINUTES

Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows.

Notes :

You are a Community nurse working in the Department of Public Health and Awareness camp,
in Melbourne, Australia.

Background : Ebola is an infectious fatal disease marked by fever and sever internal bleeding
spread through contact with infected body fluids by a filo virus (Ebola virus), whose normal host
species is unknown.

The spread of Ebola and its fatality has threatened Australian cities and the government has
started awareness campaigns to for the safety of local people.

Ebola – case contacts:

Any person having been exposed to a suspect, probable or confirmed case of Ebola in at least
one of the following ways.
- has slept in the same household with a case
- has had direct physical contact with the case (alive or dead) during the illness
- has had direct physical contact with the (dead) case at the funeral
- has touched his/her body or body fluids during the illness
- has touched his/her clothes or linens
- has been breastfed by the patient (baby)
Provided that this exposure has taken place less than 21 days before the identification as a
contact by surveillance teams.

Contact of dead or sick animals:

Any person having been exposed to a sick or dead animal in at least one of the following ways:
- has had direct physical contact with the animal

32 Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018

 - has had direct contact with the animal’s blood or body fluids
- has eaten raw bush-meat
Provided that this exposure has taken place less than 21 days before the identification as a
contact by surveillance teams

Laboratory contacts:

Any person having been exposed to biological material in a laboratory in at least one of the
following ways:
- has had direct contact with specimens collected from suspected Ebola patients
- has had direct contact with specimens collected from suspected Ebola animal cases
Provided that this exposure has taken place less than 21 days before the identification as a
contact by surveillance teams

Writing Task:

Using the information given above, write a letter to Mr. Jerome Ray, Social Worker, Peaceway
Suburban Health Clinic to conduct an awareness class for a group of Melbourne residents, many of
whom work with the airline industry.

In your answer:

Expand the relevant notes into complete sentences

Do not use note form

Use letter format

The body of the letter should be approximately 180–200 words.

Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018 33

OCCUPATIONAL ENGLISH TEST
WRITING SUB-TEST: NURSING
SAMPLE RESPONSE: LETTER

Mr. Jerome Ray

Social Worker
Peaceway Suburban Health Clinic

20 October 2018

Dear Mr Ray

This is regarding the need for an awareness class on the Ebola epidemic and necessary precau-
tions.
It must be noted that Ebola spreads through contact with infected people or surroundings and
extreme precaustion must be taken to prevent the spread of the disease. That includes sleeping in
the same household as an infected person, or attending the funeral of a victim. Contact with dead
or sick animals should also be considered as a case of concern. Another potential source of the
infection is contacts in a laboratory including exposure to specimen.
A detailed information material is being sent along with this letter.
Your awarness class would be for a group of residents in Melbourne many of whom work in the
airline industry and are hence more vulnerable. The awareness you give will be helpful for them to
carry out their work safely and without fear.
Should you require any information related to the condition or the program, please contact me.
Sincerely
Nurse

34 Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018

 SPEAKING SUB-TEST 5
ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. 1 NURSING
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 unconscious. 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
(ask for painkillers)
„ You also believe your hand is broken
„ Be difficult to convince to wait to see a doctor (you have to go to
work).

CANDIDATE CARD NO. 1 NURSING

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 swol-
len 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 (dizzyness, vomiting)
and that in some cases these are exacerbated by alcohol
„ Try make him as comfortable as possible (providing privacy, fresh
clothes etc).

Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018 35

ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. 2 NURSING

SETTING Children’s Hospital Ward

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 discharged home. You are unaware that a vaccine is avail-
able in Australia which protects against mumps. You would like further
information and guidance regarding 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 vaccinations 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

CANDIDATE CARD NO. 2 NURSING

SETTING Children’s Hospital Ward

NURSE A young boy aged 4, was admitted to hospital through the Children's Emer-
gency Department for acute meningoencephalitis as a result of a complica-
tion 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.

36 Study guide for OET © IRS Group 2018

 NOTES

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