OET Case Notes 54.1

Occupational English Test (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).

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

Notes:

You are a Nurse, Hillside Medical Center, Green Valley, New South Wales, where this patient was admitted two days ago.

Today’s Date: 09/08/2024

Patient Details:

• Name: Mr. Jonathan Hayes.
• Age: 45 years.
• Occupation: Truck Driver.
• Marital Status: Married, two children.
• Recent Medical History:

07/08/2024

• Fatal landslide accident while driving to Sydney.
• Midnight
• Huge rocks fell on the truck due to a landslide; the truck was washed away into a flooding river.
• Patient jumped into the river to escape; subsequently lost consciousness as he was carried away by the water.

08/08/2024

• Found by a search team at 7:00 AM, unconscious on the riverbank.
• Initial Assessment: Multiple lacerations, suspected fractures, signs of severe hypothermia.
• Initial Treatment Provided by search team: Basic wound care, application of a thermal blanket to manage hypothermia, immobilization of suspected fractures.

09/08/2024

• Transported to Hillside Medical Center at 5:00 AM.
• Assessment at Hillside Medical Center. Severe hypothermia, multiple deep lacerations, suspected fractures, significant trauma.
• Hypothermic (core body temperature 33°C), low blood pressure (90/60 mmHg), tachycardic (pulse 120 bpm).

Treatment Administered:

• Cleaning and dressing of lacerations with antiseptic solution; application of temporary bandages.
• Warm IV fluids (0.9% saline), warming blankets.
• Administered 5 mg Morphine IV for pain relief.
• Temporary Splints: Applied to suspected fractures (left arm and right leg).
• Continuous Monitoring: Vital signs monitored hourly for signs of deterioration or improvement.

Additional Actions:

• An Army medical officer consulted over the phone for additional guidance.
• Administered prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection.

Plan:

• Full-body Imaging: X-ray and CT scan – extent of injuries, (spl. Fractures).
• Surgical debridement and suturing if necessary.
• Blood Transfusion: Type and cross-match for potential emergency blood transfusion.
• Ongoing Care: Arrange psychiatric evaluation and support to address trauma and psychological impact.
• Regular follow-up appointments (monitor recovery, manage any complications).

Writing Task:

Write a letter to Dr. Karen Thompson, Emergency Dept., Riverbend Hospital, Sydney, for further assessment and management.

In your answer:

• Expand the relevant notes into complete sentences.
• Do not use note form.
• Use letter format.

The body of the letter should be approximately 180–200 words.