Station focus · Vital signs
OSCE vital signs
station practice.
Collect a coherent set of observations, notice a change from baseline and communicate your concern. A number becomes useful when you connect it to the person in front of you.
Last checked 2026-10-30 · NMBA exam information · RN Standards for Practice
What to practise
Rehearse a ward review after a procedure, a change during a home visit or new symptoms in residential care. Decide what to assess first, what to repeat and how to record the time and response.
This is a preparation category, not a prediction of a particular examination station. Read the candidate instructions and respond to the person and task you are given.
Make your approach clear
- Explain each observation and ask permission before touching the person.
- Describe findings and trends accurately; distinguish what you measured from what you suspect.
- State the help you need, then explain what you will monitor while waiting.
Rehearsal prompt: “I will explain what I am checking, what I have found and what needs to happen next.” Adapt the words to the actual findings; do not memorise a claim you cannot support.
Common ways to lose the thread
- Recording a set of numbers without responding to deterioration.
- Treating a new change as normal for an older person.
- Leaving escalation or reassessment out of the written record.
Vital signs practice stations
Reading cards are free. The designated trial station needs no account; new accounts receive two AI stations. A practice pass opens further AI sessions.
Postoperative observations and urgent escalation
2 minutes to read · 8 minutes to practise
Start a free station →Fever and rapid breathing in general practice
2 minutes to read · 8 minutes to practise
Read station card →New confusion during residential care observations
2 minutes to read · 8 minutes to practise
Read station card →Dizziness during a home nursing visit
2 minutes to read · 8 minutes to practise
Read station card →