Original RN OSCE scenario · PM-02
Pain assessment while awaiting abdominal review
Pain management practice in ed.
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
You are the RN in an emergency department. Aisha Rahman, aged 32, has undifferentiated abdominal pain and is awaiting medical assessment. A signed order permits paracetamol 1 g orally once if safe. Assess pain and safety, discuss the available care and document a reassessment plan. Complete the supplied practice record. You and the patient are in the room; assistance can be called. You have eight minutes; describe and select physical actions in this online exercise.
What this type of station practises
Understand the person’s pain, its effect and the response to care. A pain score alone does not describe the whole problem.
In “Pain assessment while awaiting abdominal review”, use the task in the reading card to decide what to assess, explain and record in ed. Rehearse a discussion about pain after a procedure, pain limiting movement or a person reluctant to request relief. Explore what changed, what has helped and what further assessment is needed.
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.
Medication checks verbal rehearsal →
ISBAR telephone rehearsal checklist →
Explore all pain management scenarios → · RN OSCE exam structure →
Related RN OSCE scenarios
Last checked 2026-10-30 · NMBA exam information · RN Standards for Practice