OET - Occupational English Listening for Detail: Consultations Questions and Answers

Question 1

During a consultation, a patient says, 'It started about a fortnight ago.
I get this sharp, stabbing feeling right here, especially when I bend over.' Which of the following is the MOST accurate note for the healthcare professional to make under the 'Presenting Complaint' section?

Accepted Answer

Patient reports a sharp, stabbing pain for the past two weeks, exacerbated by bending.

Answer

Patient complains of occasional sharp pain.

Answer

Patient has had a constant, dull ache for a fortnight.

Answer

Patient notes pain in lower back when standing up.

Question 2

A patient is describing their symptoms to a nurse. They state: 'I've been feeling absolutely exhausted lately, not just tired. And my appetite is completely gone. I used to love my food, but now I have to force myself to eat anything.' In the patient's notes, under 'Associated Symptoms', which entry is the most precise?

Accepted Answer

Patient complains of extreme fatigue and a significant loss of appetite.

Answer

Patient feels a bit tired and isn't very hungry.

Answer

Patient reports feeling unwell.

Answer

Patient mentions occasional tiredness and reduced interest in food.

Question 3

In a consultation audio, a doctor asks, 'And are you currently taking anything for the pain?' The patient replies, 'Well, I've been taking paracetamol, you know, the over-the-counter kind. I take two tablets, maybe three or four times a day, but it barely touches the sides.' How should this information be recorded under 'Current Medication'?

Accepted Answer

Over-the-counter paracetamol, 2 tablets, 3-4 times a day, with little effect.

Answer

Prescription painkillers, 3-4 times daily.

Answer

Patient is not taking any medication.

Answer

Paracetamol, two tablets, occasionally.

Question 4

During a consultation, a patient describes a past injury: 'It was a while back, maybe five years ago. I was playing football and twisted my left knee badly. I had to have some physiotherapy for it at the time.' Which of the following is the most appropriate summary for the 'Past Medical History' section?

Accepted Answer

Left knee injury from football (5 years ago), treated with physiotherapy.

Answer

Recent right knee injury from sports.

Answer

Patient had surgery on their left knee five years ago.

Answer

Patient has chronic knee pain from a football injury.

Question 5

A doctor is listening to a patient describe their lifestyle. The patient says, 'I'm a primary school teacher, so I'm on my feet all day. I try to get to the gym twice a week, but it’s been difficult lately. I probably have a glass of wine most evenings to unwind.' Which detail would be LEAST relevant to note down when the presenting complaint is a persistent cough?

Accepted Answer

Patient stands for long periods at work.

Answer

Patient is a school teacher.

Answer

Patient exercises twice a week.

Answer

Patient consumes alcohol most evenings.

Question 6

A patient tells their GP, 'I'm supposed to be taking my blood pressure tablets every morning, but to be honest, I sometimes forget, especially on the weekends.' Which of the following is the most accurate way to capture this information in the notes?

Accepted Answer

Patient reports inconsistent adherence to blood pressure medication, particularly on weekends.

Answer

Patient is non-compliant with medication.

Answer

Patient takes blood pressure medication daily.

Answer

Patient has stopped taking their blood pressure medication.