Original RN OSCE scenario · PM-03
Recognising pain in a resident with limited speech
Pain management practice in aged-care.
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 aged care facility. Martha Wilson, aged 84, has advanced dementia and grimaces during transfer. The care record describes knee osteoarthritis. Assess possible pain, explain supportive care and agree on a review plan with the care RN. Complete the supplied practice record. A second RN is available. 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 “Recognising pain in a resident with limited speech”, use the task in the reading card to decide what to assess, explain and record in aged-care. 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 →
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Last checked 2026-10-30 · NMBA exam information · RN Standards for Practice