NMC OSCE Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the NMC OSCE exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 NMC OSCE Exam Format at a Glance
📚 NMC OSCE Topics to Study (33)
✍️ Sample NMC OSCE Questions & Answers
1. During patient assessment, a nurse notes that a patient is using accessory muscles to breathe. What does this indicate?
Use of accessory muscles (sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, intercostals) during breathing indicates increased work of breathing, a sign of respiratory distress. It suggests the diaphragm and primary respiratory muscles are not meeting ventilatory demands.
2. What type of isolation precautions are required for a patient with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis?
Pulmonary TB is transmitted via airborne nuclei (<5 micrometres) that remain suspended in air for prolonged periods. Patients require a single room with negative pressure ventilation. Staff must wear FFP3 respirator masks (not standard surgical masks). Visitors should be limited, and the door must remain closed. These precautions continue until the patient is non-infectious.
3. A patient with advanced dementia needs a tooth extraction. They cannot consent to the procedure. Under the MCA 2005, how should clinicians proceed?
When an adult lacks capacity to consent, clinicians must make a best interests decision under the MCA 2005. This involves considering the patient's past and present wishes, values, and beliefs, and consulting those close to them (family, carers). Next of kin cannot legally consent on behalf of an adult — only the Court of Protection or a Lasting Power of Attorney (Health) can do so.
4. In England, which organisation is responsible for conducting Section 42 safeguarding enquiries for adults?
Under the Care Act 2014, the local authority (usually via its adult social services) is responsible for conducting or ensuring Section 42 enquiries when there is a reasonable cause to suspect an adult with care and support needs is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect.
5. The NMC Code states nurses must practise within the limits of their competence. What should a nurse do when asked to perform a task outside their competence?
The NMC Code requires nurses to recognise and work within the limits of their competence. If asked to perform tasks beyond those limits, they must decline and refer to someone with the appropriate knowledge and skills.
6. A patient refuses a recommended treatment. According to the NMC Code, what must the nurse do?
The NMC Code requires nurses to respect people's right to accept or refuse treatment. The nurse must ensure the patient has all relevant information and document the refusal, but must not override a competent patient's decision.