Recognising pain in a resident with limited speech
RN OSCE practice station

The task

You are the RN in an aged care facility. Martha Wilson, aged 84, has advanced dementia and grimaces during transfer. The care record describes knee osteoarthritis. Assess possible pain, explain supportive care and agree on a review plan with the care RN. Complete the supplied practice record. A second RN is available. You have eight minutes; describe and select physical actions in this online exercise.

What this station tests

• Martha’s transfer-only guarding deserves structured pain assessment despite limited words.
• Use the same validated observational tool before and after care.
• Check modified-release paracetamol timing; no PRN order means obtain review.
• Pause painful movement and compare function with her usual frame-assisted walking.

Sources for the clinical content

• 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
• Dementia Support Australia: Abbey Pain Scale

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

Practise next

• Pain and sedation before PRN oxycodone
• Pain assessment while awaiting abdominal review
• Persistent pain after amputation at home
• New chest discomfort during a GP visit
• Pain assessment with a child after a burn dressing