OCCUPATIONAL ENGLISH TEST

WRITING SUB-TEST: NURSING

TIME ALLOWED: READING TIME: 5 MINUTES

WRITING TIME: 40 MINUTES

Read the case notes and complete the writing task which follows.

Patient Ms Pauline Henderson

Age 62 years

Medical History Referred by GP for home care-showering and care of fracture

cam boot

Fractured L ankle. Mild hypertension-3 years

GP monitoring emotional stability

General health-fit for age

Personal Details Divorced 15 years ago

Cares for 37 year old son Brian

Son has Down syndrome, independent but requires constant

attention, occasional display of violent temper

Mother feels she may not cope with care in present condition

One sister. Parents deceased

Home Visit Case Notes

23/05/13 Initial visit. Assisted with showering and helping dress. Demonstrated
corrected angle and strapping of fracture cam boot.

Takes Panadol every 4 hours for pain relief

Discussed current situation at home and care of her son.

Appeared down and uncommunicative

25/05/13 Showered and dressed patient. Refit cam boot.

Pain still present

Panadol every 4 hours. Advised to reduce intake

Suggested social worker for advice on care of son which was refused

27/05/13 Showered and dressed patient. Refit cam boot.

Noted redness and minor swelling under arms from crutches

1 © Brad Hissey, Sydney Language Solutions 2014 www.sydneylanguagesolutions.com.au Writing - Nursing

 More talkative and open to discussion

Son appeared resentful of presence and aggravated

29/05/13 Showered and dressed patient. Refit cam boot.

Panadol reduced to 3 times per day

Appeared distracted and quiet

Suggested calling sister to help and was eventually agreed to

31/05/13 Showered and dressed patient. Refit cam boot.

Panadol only taken before bed to aid sleep

Contacted sister to arrange some assistance. Sister complained of a

recent increased workload and unavailability.

Reiterated need for social worker and suggested a doctors visit

Finally agreed to think about need for social worker. Refused doctors
visit as pain has lessened and did not see a need

03/06/13 Showered and dressed patient. Refit cam boot.

Son showing definite signs of hostility with raised voice and kicking
table

Patient agreed to an informal visit by a social worker

Task Using the case notes above, write a referral letter to the local social
worker including relevant information, requesting a home visit with
view to ongoing support. Address your letter to Ms Mary Wright,
Director of Community Care, 64 Book Road, Macarthur Village.

2 © Brad Hissey, Sydney Language Solutions 2014 www.sydneylanguagesolutions.com.au Writing - Nursing