NMC OSCE Clinical Assessment Skills

Question 1

You are performing a systematic patient assessment using the ABCDE approach. A patient has noisy, gurgling respirations. What is your immediate priority?

Accepted Answer

Open the airway using head tilt, chin lift and suction if necessary

Answer

Administer high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreather mask

Answer

Obtain intravenous access

Answer

Perform a full set of observations

Question 2

A patient's NEWS2 (National Early Warning Score) is calculated as 7. According to the Royal College of Physicians guidance, what escalation response is required?

Accepted Answer

Emergency response — urgent clinical review by a team with critical care competencies, including a practitioner with advanced airway management skills

Answer

Continue routine observations every 12 hours

Answer

Increase observations to every 4 hours

Answer

Inform the nurse in charge at the next handover

Question 3

When measuring blood pressure manually, where should the lower edge of the cuff be positioned?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 2-3 cm above the antecubital fossa

Answer

Directly over the antecubital fossa

Answer

On the wrist

Answer

On the upper forearm

Question 4

You are assessing a patient's neurological status using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). The patient opens their eyes to pain, makes incomprehensible sounds, and withdraws from pain. What is their GCS score?

Accepted Answer

8 (E2 + V2 + M4)

Answer

10

Answer

6

Answer

12

Question 5

When performing capillary blood glucose monitoring, which finger should ideally be used and where on the finger should the lancet be applied?

Accepted Answer

The side of any finger except the thumb and index finger, avoiding the fingertip centre

Answer

The centre of the fingertip of the index finger

Answer

The thumb pad

Answer

The palm of the hand

Question 6

A patient's oxygen saturation is reading 88% on pulse oximetry. They have no history of COPD. What is the target oxygen saturation range according to BTS guidelines, and what action should you take?

Accepted Answer

Target 94-98%; administer oxygen therapy and escalate to medical team immediately

Answer

Target 88-92%; no action needed as this is within range

Answer

Target 100%; administer 15L via non-rebreather

Answer

Target 90-94%; monitor and reassess in 1 hour