Original RN OSCE scenario · RA-04
Acute confusion after arrival in emergency
Risk assessment 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. Nora Williams, aged 79, has become disoriented in a noisy emergency bay after admission for dehydration. Her niece is with her. Assess cognitive and safety risks and start a person-centred plan. Complete the supplied practice record. Niece Leanne is present. You have eight minutes; describe and select physical actions in this online exercise. Assistance can be called.
What this type of station practises
Explore a person’s specific risks and agree a practical prevention plan. Completing a form is one part of an assessment, not the whole task.
In “Acute confusion after arrival in emergency”, use the task in the reading card to decide what to assess, explain and record in ed. Use invented histories to discuss falls, skin integrity or a change in mental wellbeing. Consider mobility, cognition, environment, support and what matters to the person.
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.
Falls prevention conversation checklist →
Pressure injury prevention conversation →
Explore all risk assessment scenarios → · RN OSCE exam structure →
Related RN OSCE scenarios
Last checked 2026-10-30 · NMBA exam information · RN Standards for Practice