Original RN OSCE scenario · PM-07
Pain that prevents coughing after surgery
Pain management 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
Nirmala Rao is recovering from abdominal surgery and avoids coughing because it hurts. The examiner can provide her analgesia and observation records on request. Assess pain and opioid safety, agree an activity goal and request a reviewed pain plan. Complete the care record without administering medicine. The patient answers personal questions; the examiner supplies requested examination findings. Dr Taylor Singh is reachable by phone.
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 that prevents coughing after surgery”, use the task in the reading card to decide what to assess, explain and record in ward. 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