Headache in an adolescent
RN OSCE practice station

The task

Sophie Lane attends with her mother Paula for a headache that began at school. Assess her pain and associated symptoms, discuss nursing care and organise further review. The GP in the clinic can be reached by phone.

What this station tests

• Assess headache onset and neurological symptoms before assuming migraine.
• Adolescents should be addressed directly with appropriate privacy.
• Reassess function as well as the pain number.
• Offer a private discussion for adolescent health history and explain the limits of confidentiality.

Sources for the clinical content

• ACSQHC: Comprehensive Care Standard
• ACSQHC: Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration Standard

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
• Recognising pain in a resident with limited speech
• Persistent pain after amputation at home
• New chest discomfort during a GP visit