Neurovascular concern beneath a new cast
RN OSCE practice station
Focused assessment · 2 min to read · 8 min to perform
Try a real conversation · RN OSCEAI practice
Perform a focused neurovascular assessment and communicate the findings.
Chloe NguyenMy toes feel tingly and the pain is getting worse.
Free · no sign-up · uses your one free station
Open the full station (charts, voice, result letter) →The task
You are the RN on a hospital ward. Chloe Nguyen, aged 25, has escalating pain in her left lower leg following fracture immobilisation. Perform a focused neurovascular assessment and communicate the findings. Complete the supplied practice record. You and the patient are in the room; assistance can be called. You have eight minutes; describe and select physical actions in this online exercise. The orthopaedic registrar can be telephoned.
What this station tests
- Chloe’s palpable pulse does not exclude compartment syndrome.
- Pain with passive movement plus sensory and perfusion changes requires immediate review.
- Keep the leg at heart level and Chloe nil by mouth; avoid independent cast alteration.
- Re-escalate if an urgent limb-threatening referral is offered a delayed response.
Sources for the clinical content
- ACSQHC: Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration Standard
- ACSQHC: Comprehensive Care Standard
- ACSQHC: Communicating for Safety Standard
- Healthdirect: Compartment syndrome
An original practice scenario with invented patients. Not an exam question.