OET - Occupational English Listening for Detail: Consultations Questions and Answers 1 — 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?
- Patient complains of occasional sharp pain.
- Patient reports a sharp, stabbing pain for the past two weeks, exacerbated by bending. (Correct answer)
- Patient has had a constant, dull ache for a fortnight.
- Patient notes pain in lower back when standing up.
Correct answer: Patient reports a sharp, stabbing pain for the past two weeks, exacerbated by bending.
This answer choice accurately captures all the key details provided by the patient: the duration ('fortnight' means two weeks), the nature of the pain ('sharp, stabbing'), and the aggravating factor ('when I bend over'). The other options are either too vague, incorrect about the type of pain, or misinterpret the trigger.
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?
- Patient feels a bit tired and isn't very hungry.
- Patient reports feeling unwell.
- Patient complains of extreme fatigue and a significant loss of appetite. (Correct answer)
- Patient mentions occasional tiredness and reduced interest in food.
Correct answer: Patient complains of extreme fatigue and a significant loss of appetite.
The patient uses strong words like 'absolutely exhausted' (not just tired) and 'appetite is completely gone'. This option uses precise synonyms ('extreme fatigue', 'significant loss of appetite') to reflect the severity the patient is conveying, which is a key skill in OET Listening Part A. The other answers understate the severity of the symptoms.
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'?
- Prescription painkillers, 3-4 times daily.
- Patient is not taking any medication.
- Paracetamol, two tablets, occasionally.
- Over-the-counter paracetamol, 2 tablets, 3-4 times a day, with little effect. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Over-the-counter paracetamol, 2 tablets, 3-4 times a day, with little effect.
This option is the most complete and accurate. It correctly identifies the medication (over-the-counter paracetamol), the dosage (2 tablets), the frequency (3-4 times a day), and the reported effectiveness ('barely touches the sides' means it has little effect). Missing any of these details would make the note less useful.
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?
- Left knee injury from football (5 years ago), treated with physiotherapy. (Correct answer)
- Recent right knee injury from sports.
- Patient had surgery on their left knee five years ago.
- Patient has chronic knee pain from a football injury.
Correct answer: Left knee injury from football (5 years ago), treated with physiotherapy.
This answer correctly identifies the affected body part (left knee), the cause (football), the timeframe (5 years ago), and the treatment received (physiotherapy). The other options contain inaccuracies regarding the timeframe, the limb, the treatment, or the nature of the current condition.
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?
- Patient is a school teacher.
- Patient exercises twice a week.
- Patient consumes alcohol most evenings.
- Patient stands for long periods at work. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Patient stands for long periods at work.
While all details provide context, the fact that the patient stands for long periods is least likely to be directly relevant to a respiratory complaint like a persistent cough. The occupation (exposure to children's illnesses), exercise habits (general fitness), and alcohol consumption could all be potentially relevant factors to consider. The OET requires you to identify the most clinically relevant information.
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?
- Patient is non-compliant with medication.
- Patient takes blood pressure medication daily.
- Patient reports inconsistent adherence to blood pressure medication, particularly on weekends. (Correct answer)
- Patient has stopped taking their blood pressure medication.
Correct answer: Patient reports inconsistent adherence to blood pressure medication, particularly on weekends.
This option is the most precise and non-judgmental. It uses neutral language ('inconsistent adherence') and specifies the detail the patient provided ('particularly on weekends'). 'Non-compliant' can be seen as judgmental, while the other options are factually incorrect based on the patient's statement.
OET - Occupational English Listening for Detail: Consultations Questions and Answers 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?