New breathlessness during residential IV therapy
RN OSCE practice station
IV fluids · 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 aged care facility. Margaret Davies, aged 88, is receiving prescribed sodium chloride 0.9% through a nurse-led residential outreach service. She has heart failure and becomes breathless. Assess the patient and infusion, take immediate safety action and communicate the concern. 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
- Stop Margaret’s fluid, sit her upright, support oxygenation and call 000 immediately.
- Heart failure, crackles and positive balance support concern about overload without confirming its cause.
- The 07:00 start and 14:00 review explain 700 mL at 100 mL/hour.
- Keep access and avoid unprescribed diuretics or further fluid.
Sources for the clinical content
- ACSQHC: Management of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters Clinical Care Standard
- ACSQHC: Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration Standard
- ACSQHC: Communicating for Safety Standard
An original practice scenario with invented patients. Not an exam question.