Case Notes 44.1

Occupational English Test – Writing (Nursing)

Instructions:

• You have 45 minutes to write this letter.
• During the first 5 minutes, you should not pick the pencil.
• Start writing only when you are told.
• During the Reading Time, try to understand the case notes.

Melons Steps

• Mark (M) PPRRAADDDDDWK.
• Eliminate (E) irrelevant information.
• Launch (L) the letter with DADR.
• Open (O) the letter with PRPDD or PRPTT.
• Narrate (N) the remaining paragraphs using V or W.
• Sign (S) the letter with S/F.

Melons Errors

• Punctuation “Marks”.
• Follow “Expansion” Rules.
• Obey “Language” Rules.
• Have an “Order” (DADR, PRPDD, V/W, S/F)
• Do not change “Names”.
• Sex (Mr, Ms, Mrs, His, Her).

Details to Fill In:

• CANDIDATE NAME. ROLE NUMBER.
• DATE OF BIRTH. VENUE OF THE TEST. TEST DATE.

Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows.

Notes:

You are a nurse-in-charge at Brisbane Sports Medicine Clinic. Mr. Gamus Espepardos is one of your patients.

Today’s Date: 18 July, 2024

Patient Details:

• Name: Mr. Gamus Espepardos
• Age: 35 years
• Status: Professional athlete
• Moved to Australia in 2020.
• Occupation: Professional triathlete.
• Non-smoker, occasional alcohol consumption.

Medical History:

• History of hypertension since 2016
• Previous myocardial infarction in 2020, treated with stent placement
• Regular follow-ups with cardiologist, Dr. John Thompson

18 July, 2024:

• Received in clinic at 09:00 hours.
• Complaints: Chest pain (radiating to left arm), shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea.
• Denied any recent strenuous activity. Admitted regular training routine.
• Vital Signs: Temperature: 36.5°C; Blood Pressure: 160/100 mm/Hg; Pulse: 95/min; Oxygen Saturation: 97% (room air); Respiration: 22/min
• Investigations: ECG: ST-segment elevation in anterior leads; Troponin I: Elevated (1.2 ng/mL)
• Diagnosis: Acute coronary syndrome

Management:

• 300 mg aspirin and 600 mg clopidogrel.
• Oxygen therapy initiated.
• Nitro-glycerine sublingual (0.4 mg) administered for chest pain.
• Continuous cardiac monitoring.

Discharge / Transfer Plan:

• Immediate transfer to Northside Cardiac Hospital for urgent angiography and possible intervention.
• Inform family about the critical condition and need for rapid intervention.
• Follow-up with Dr. John Thompson for ongoing cardiology management post-discharge.

Writing Task

Using the information given in the case notes, write a letter to Dr. Mary Collins, Cardiologist, Northside Cardiac Hospital. In your letter, briefly outline Mr. Espepardos’ condition and relevant history.

In your answer:

• Expand the relevant notes into complete sentences (Do not use note form).
• Eliminate irrelevant details.
• Follow the MELONS Organization. Follow DADR, PRPDD / TT, V/W and S/F.
• Punctuate appropriately with small and capital letters, full-stops, commas.
• Use correct grammar. Insert “the” before body parts / organs.
• Use letter format.

The body of the letter should be approximately 180–200 words. Do not pick your pencil during the 5 minutes of reading time.