OET - Occupational English Writing: Selecting Relevant Case Notes Questions and Answers

Question 1

A community nurse is writing a referral letter to a dietitian for a 65-year-old patient newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
The patient's case notes mention the following social factors.
Which one is MOST crucial to include in the referral?

Accepted Answer

The patient works as a long-haul truck driver.

Answer

The patient's daughter is a chef.

Answer

The patient lives in a bungalow.

Answer

The patient recently took up watercolour painting.

Question 2

You are a junior doctor writing a transfer letter to a palliative care unit for a patient with end-stage liver failure. The case notes contain the following information. Which detail is LEAST relevant to include for the palliative care team?

Accepted Answer

A detailed history of the appendectomy the patient had 30 years ago.

Answer

The patient's current medication chart, including laxatives and analgesia.

Answer

The family's awareness and acceptance of the terminal prognosis.

Answer

The patient's expressed wishes regarding resuscitation (DNR status).

Question 3

A General Practitioner is referring a 52-year-old male patient to a cardiologist due to recent episodes of chest pain on exertion. Which of the following details from the patient's history is the MOST important to include in the referral letter?

Accepted Answer

Patient's father died of a myocardial infarction at age 55.

Answer

Patient had a fractured wrist in his teens.

Answer

Patient works as a librarian.

Answer

Patient reports seasonal allergies to pollen.

Question 4

A hospital ward nurse is preparing a discharge summary for an 82-year-old patient who is being transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation facility following a stroke. The patient has right-sided weakness. Which piece of information is MOST critical for the rehabilitation team?

Accepted Answer

The patient's pre-stroke level of mobility and independence in daily activities.

Answer

A list of visitors the patient had during their hospital stay.

Answer

The patient's blood group is A positive.

Answer

The patient's preference for tea over coffee.

Question 5

You are an occupational therapist writing an update letter to a GP about a patient recovering from a hand injury. The patient has attended six sessions. Which of the following is the most appropriate and relevant information to convey to the GP?

Accepted Answer

A summary of the patient's progress, current functional abilities, and the ongoing treatment plan.

Answer

A detailed, session-by-session breakdown of every exercise performed.

Answer

The patient was late for their second appointment.

Answer

The brand name of the thermoplastic used to create the patient's splint.

Question 6

When reviewing a patient's extensive medical history to write a transfer letter to another hospital's emergency department, what is the primary principle for selecting relevant information?

Accepted Answer

Prioritize information that is directly pertinent to the acute presenting problem.

Answer

Select only the information from the last 24 hours.

Answer

Include every diagnosis the patient has ever received to provide a complete picture.

Answer

Focus mainly on the patient's social and family situation.