Focused assessment of worsening breathlessness
RN OSCE practice station
Focused assessment · 2 min to read · 8 min to perform
A written station. Free to try, no sign-up.
The task
You are the RN in an emergency department. Ravi Menon, aged 59, has become more breathless while awaiting medical review for a cough. Perform a focused respiratory assessment and arrange an appropriate response. Complete the supplied practice record. Speak to the patient and describe each assessment as you perform it. A second RN is available. You have eight minutes; describe and select physical actions in this online exercise.
What this station tests
- Ravi’s 88% saturation and marked work of breathing need immediate ED help and oxygen.
- Check hypercapnic risk; his supplied history supports a 92–96% oxygen target.
- Improved saturation does not erase ongoing accessory-muscle use.
- Document the actual oxygen device, flow and observed response.
Sources for the clinical content
- ACSQHC: Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration Standard
- ACSQHC: Comprehensive Care Standard
- ACSQHC: Communicating for Safety Standard
- TSANZ position statement: acute oxygen use in adults
An original practice scenario with invented patients. Not an exam question.