OET Speaking Role Play Test 24
OET Speaking Role-Play – Nurse (TWENTY-FOURTH ROLE-PLAY)
Setting: Emergency Department
You are speaking to a 33-year-old woman who has come in with a burn on her hand from spilling hot tea. She is worried about scarring and infection.
TASKS:
• Assess the burn (location, size, depth, symptoms).
• Explain the severity and appropriate treatment (cleaning, dressing, pain relief).
• Reassure the patient about healing and ways to reduce scarring.
• Provide home care advice and signs of infection to watch for.
• Discuss follow-up care and when to return for dressing change or check-up.
Interlocutor Role (Practice Partner)
• You are a 33-year-old woman with a fresh burn on your hand.
• You are in pain and worried about infection.
• You ask if it will leave a scar.
• You want to know how to treat it at home.
• You are concerned it may affect your work as a teacher.
SOLUTION ROLE-PLAY
Nurse Nishe:
Good afternoon. I’m Nurse Nishe, one of the nurses here in the emergency department. I understand you’ve come in with a burn on your hand. First, I’d like to assess the injury so we can treat it appropriately — is that okay?
Patient:
Yes… I spilled hot tea on my hand about half an hour ago. It’s really painful and I’m scared it might get infected or leave a scar.
Nurse Nishe:
I can see how distressing that must be. Let me gently take a look. Can you tell me — where exactly did the tea spill, and how much of your hand is affected?
Patient:
It’s mostly the top part of my right hand — not too big, but it stings badly.
Nurse Nishe:
Thank you. From what I can see, this looks like a first-degree to superficial second-degree burn — the skin is red with slight blistering, but no deep tissue is involved. That’s a good sign. Let’s start by cleaning the area with sterile saline, apply a cool compress, and then dress it with a non-stick sterile dressing. I’ll also give you something for the pain.
Patient:
Okay… but do you think it’ll leave a scar? I’m really worried about that.
Nurse Nishe:
It’s natural to be concerned, but in most cases like this, scarring is minimal or none at all, especially if we treat the burn properly and keep it clean. Applying moisturising creams like aloe vera or vitamin E, once healing begins, can also help reduce the risk of scarring.
Patient:
Alright. Can I treat it at home after this?
Nurse Nishe:
Yes, of course. Once this initial dressing is done, I’ll give you instructions for home care. Make sure to:
• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Change the dressing every 1–2 days or if it gets wet or dirty.
• Avoid bursting any blisters, as that can lead to infection.
• And take pain relief like paracetamol if needed.
Watch for signs of infection, such as:
• Increased redness or swelling
• Pus or foul-smelling discharge
• Fever
If you notice any of these, please come back right away.
Patient:
That’s helpful. I’m a schoolteacher and I use my hands a lot. Will this affect my work?
Nurse Nishe:
Good question. Since it's on the surface and the dressing allows for some movement, you should still be able to write and use your hand gently, but I’d advise avoiding strenuous or repetitive use for a few days until the tenderness reduces. If needed, we can provide a note for light duties at work.
Patient:
Thank you. When should I come back for a check-up?
Nurse Nishe:
We’d like to see you back in 2–3 days to check how the burn is healing and change the dressing if needed. I’ll also give you written instructions and supplies for home care.
Patient:
Thanks, Nurse Nishe. That makes me feel a lot better.
Nurse Nishe:
You’re most welcome. You’ve done the right thing by coming in promptly. Please don’t hesitate to call or return if you have any concerns. Take care of yourself, and I’ll see you at the follow-up.