Giving a medicine to an adult with Down's syndrome
NMC OSCE practice station

The task

You are a registered nurse on a medical ward looking after Declan Murphy, aged 29, who has Down's syndrome and mild to moderate learning disability. His support worker is with him. He is due his morning medicine before breakfast. Check the prescription and his identity, prepare the correct dose from the stock provided, and give it safely. Use communication that helps him understand and take part in the decision to take it. Say aloud what you are doing and why, then record the administration on the chart.

What this station tests

• Assume capacity and support the person to make the decision; do not rely on the carer to decide.
• Use short sentences, pictures, signs and time; ask the carer how the person communicates.
• Check identity, prescription, allergy, dose and time before every medicine, and do your own arithmetic.
• Use the hospital passport and reasonable adjustments to personalise care.
• Record the administration straight away and share tips for next time.

Sources for the clinical content

• Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice
• BNF: Levothyroxine sodium
• NICE NG5: Medicines optimisation: the safe and effective use of medicines
• NMC: The Code

An original practice scenario with invented patients. Not an exam question.

Practise next

• Medicines for uncontrolled pain at home
• Insulin for a patient with a diabetic foot ulcer