Pain assessment while awaiting abdominal review
RN OSCE practice station

The task

You are the RN in an emergency department. Aisha Rahman, aged 32, has undifferentiated abdominal pain and is awaiting medical assessment. A signed order permits paracetamol 1 g orally once if safe. Assess pain and safety, discuss the available care and document a reassessment plan. 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.

What this station tests

• Aisha’s late irregular period makes pregnancy an unresolved clinical concern.
• Arrange private personal questions and the clinician and language support she requests.
• Pain relief can proceed alongside timely assessment after medication checks.
• Reassess pain, function and observations; do not assume a response.

Sources for the clinical content

• TGA: Recommended paracetamol doses
• ACSQHC: Comprehensive Care Standard
• ACSQHC: Making informed choices (informed consent)
• ACSQHC: Communicating for Safety Standard
• ACSQHC: Opioid Analgesic Stewardship in Acute Pain Clinical Care Standard

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

Practise next

• Pain and sedation before PRN oxycodone
• Recognising pain in a resident with limited speech
• Persistent pain after amputation at home
• New chest discomfort during a GP visit
• Pain assessment with a child after a burn dressing