NMC OSCE Quiz: Could You Pass Every Station?

1. When obtaining informed consent, which statement best reflects ethical nursing practice?

Consent is only needed for invasive procedures

The patient must understand the procedure, risks, and alternatives

Verbal consent is sufficient for all treatments

The nurse decides what information the patient needs

2. Which hand hygiene method is most effective before aseptic procedures?

Alcohol-based hand rub for 20 seconds

Soap and water for 40–60 seconds followed by drying

Soap and water for 20 seconds

Dry hand sanitizer without water

3. A patient's blood pressure is 165/95 mmHg. What is the first nursing action?

Administer antihypertensive medication immediately

Repeat the measurement after 5 minutes of rest

Inform the doctor without further assessment

Document and continue routine care

4. When communicating with a patient who has hearing loss, the nurse should:

Speak louder and faster

Face the patient, speak clearly, and confirm understanding

Write everything down without speaking

Use complex medical terminology

5. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute

Oxygen saturation of 94% on room air

Oxygen saturation of 88% with confusion

Heart rate of 72 beats per minute

6. A patient refuses a prescribed medication. The appropriate nursing response is to:

Administer it anyway for their own good

Respect their choice and inform the doctor

Leave the medication at the bedside

Persuade them until they agree

7. The correct technique for taking an axillary temperature includes:

Placing the thermometer in the armpit for 1 minute

Ensuring the thermometer is in the axilla for 3–5 minutes with arm across chest

Taking the temperature while the patient is moving

Cleaning the thermometer with alcohol before use

8. Which finding indicates proper hand hygiene compliance in clinical practice?

Hands are washed only at the start of the shift

Hands are cleaned before and after each patient contact

Gloves are worn instead of hand washing

Hand sanitizer is used only when soap is unavailable

9. When performing a physical examination, the correct order of assessment is:

Palpation, inspection, percussion, auscultation

Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation

Auscultation, percussion, palpation, inspection

Percussion, inspection, auscultation, palpation

10. A patient is visibly anxious before a procedure. The nurse's priority communication should:

Minimize the procedure details to reduce worry

Acknowledge their feelings and explain what to expect

Reassure them without providing information

Proceed without further discussion

Submit

14. True or False: Standard precautions apply only to patients with known infections.

True

False

15. True or False: A patient can withdraw consent at any time during a procedure.