Original RN OSCE scenario · BT-05
Breathlessness during a red cell transfusion
Blood transfusion practice in ward.
2 minutes reading · 8 minutes practice. Reading is free; AI practice requires sign-in and an available station allowance.
Complete candidate reading card
Your scenario and task
Rose Campbell becomes breathless during a red cell transfusion. She has known heart failure. Assess and demonstrate the immediate response, communicate with the doctor and complete the transfusion reaction record. The patient is a manikin; address the patient and the examiner voices their answers and supplies findings. Dr Taylor Singh is reachable by phone. RN Alex Morgan is available.
What this type of station practises
Rehearse communication, identity checks and recognition of a possible reaction. In-person training remains essential for the practical equipment and bedside procedure.
In “Breathlessness during a red cell transfusion”, use the task in the reading card to decide what to assess, explain and record in ward. Practise explaining the process to an anxious patient, checking that required information is available and reporting a new symptom during a fictional transfusion. Follow current national guidance and local clinical procedures in real care.
These are general rehearsal aims, not the answers to this scenario. Respond to information obtained during practice rather than a memorised solution.
Say-and-do preparation
Prepare the sequence and language with a related checklist. Online rehearsal develops thinking and explanations; physical technique needs supervised in-person practice.
Transfusion communication rehearsal →
ISBAR telephone rehearsal checklist →
Explore all blood transfusion scenarios → · RN OSCE exam structure →
Related RN OSCE scenarios
Last checked 2026-10-30 · NMBA exam information · RN Standards for Practice