Postoperative observations and urgent escalation
RN OSCE practice station
Vital signs · 2 min to read · 8 min to perform
A written station. Free to try, no sign-up.
The task
You are the RN on a hospital ward. Linh Tran, aged 68, is two hours after abdominal surgery and feels dizzy. Earlier observations at 09:30 were RR 18, SpO2 97% on room air, HR 88, BP 122/76, temperature 36.8°C and alert. Assess and record observations, respond to any change, and telephone the doctor using ISBAR. Complete the supplied practice record. Speak to the patient and describe each assessment as you perform it. A second RN (Alex Morgan) is available. The doctor can be telephoned. You have eight minutes; describe and select physical actions in this online exercise.
What this station tests
- Linh’s first abnormal set plus bleeding and poor perfusion already warrants MET concern.
- State suspected postoperative haemorrhage in the assessment part of ISBAR.
- Reassess after every change and escalate again if the patient worsens while help is coming.
- Keep initial and later observations separate and read back actual instructions.
Sources for the clinical content
- ACSQHC: Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration Standard
- ACSQHC: Communicating for Safety Standard
An original practice scenario with invented patients. Not an exam question.