OET WRITING CASE NOTE/ NURSE /Master Ryan Thomas

 OCCUPATIONAL ENGLISH TEST (OET)

WRITING SUB-TEST: NURSING

TIME ALLOWED:

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Writing Time: 40 minutes

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

Case Notes

Patient: Master Ryan Thomas

Age: 8 years

Gender: Male

Next of kin: Laura Thomas (mother)

Hospital: Greenfield District Hospital

Ward: Paediatric Medical Ward

Admission date: 10 September 2025

Discharge date: 16 September 2025

Diagnosis: Acute bacterial meningitis – resolving

Medical History:

• Mild eczema
  
  
• No known drug allergies
  
  
• Immunisations up to date
  
  

Social Background:

• Primary school student (Year 3)
  
  
• Lives with parents and younger sister
  
  
• Active child; enjoys football
  
  

Presenting Complaint:

• Severe headache, fever, vomiting
  
  
• Photophobia and neck stiffness
  
  
• Reduced level of consciousness
  
  

On Admission (10/9/25):

• Temp: 39.6°C
  
  
• BP: 95/60 mmHg
  
  
• HR: 128 bpm
  
  
• GCS: 12/15
  
  
• Lumbar puncture: ↑ WBC, positive bacterial culture
  
  
• IV antibiotics commenced (Ceftriaxone)
  
  
• IV fluids started
  
  

Progress Notes:

12/9/25:

• Fever reducing (37.8°C)
  
  
• GCS improved to 14/15
  
  
• Headache persists
  
  
• Paracetamol administered regularly
  
  

14/9/25:

• Afebrile
  
  
• Fully conscious and oriented
  
  
• Appetite improving
  
  
• IV antibiotics changed to oral
  
  

16/9/25:

• Neurological observations stable
  
  
• No headache or photophobia
  
  
• Mother anxious about long-term effects
  
  
• Fit for discharge
  
  

Discharge Plan:

• Oral antibiotics for 5 more days
  
  
• Paracetamol PRN
  
  
• Monitor for fever, headache, vomiting, rash
  
  
• Follow-up with GP in 3 days
  
  
• Referral to paediatric neurologist in 2 weeks
  
  

Writing Task

Using the information provided in the case notes, write a discharge letter to the patient’s General Practitioner, Dr Emily Rogers,

Riverside Family Practice, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

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