Pre-operative checks before a hernia repair
NMC OSCE practice station
Clinical skills · 1 min to read · 8 min to perform
Complete the pre-operative checks with him, explain what you are doing and why, and record the checklist on the form provided.
Kwame BoatengMorning, nurse. Am I all set for theatre?
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Open the full station (charts, voice, result letter) →The task
You are the nurse on a surgical day-case ward. Kwame Boateng, aged 63, is booked for a right groin hernia repair and is expected in theatre at about 11:00. It is now 09:50. He is in a gown on his bed, a healthcare assistant is available and the anaesthetist can be reached by phone. Complete the pre-operative checks with him, explain what you are doing and why, and record the checklist on the form provided. Act on any problem you find before he goes to theatre.
What this station tests
- Ask directly what was eaten and when, and do not accept 'nil by mouth' on the chart as proof. Usual limits are six hours for food and two hours for clear fluids; milky tea is not a clear fluid.
- A problem found on the checklist is reported to the nurse in charge and anaesthetist before the patient leaves the ward, not after.
- Allergies on the wristband are confirmed with the patient and passed to theatre, especially latex.
- Ask about the morning medicines and report them; do not decide yourself whether the operation goes ahead.
- Record only the checks you have actually done, with time and signature.
Sources for the clinical content
An original practice scenario with invented patients. Not an exam question.