OET Writing Practice Test 40
OET Writing Task (Nursing)
You are a registered nurse at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Respiratory Ward.
You are writing to Mr. James Turner, Community Health Nurse, who will visit the patient at home to provide follow-up care after discharge.
Patient Details:
Name: Mr. David Langford
Age: 59 years
Admission Date: 9 October 2025
Planned Discharge Date: 19 October 2025
Medical History:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – diagnosed 2016
Hypertension (controlled with medication)
Long-term smoker (40 pack-year history; quit 3 months ago)
Occasional alcohol use
Present Admission:
Mr. Langford was admitted with acute exacerbation of COPD presenting with shortness of breath, productive cough, and wheezing. Initial assessment revealed SpO? 87% on room air, respiratory rate 26/min, and temperature 37.8°C. Chest X-ray showed mild hyperinflation but no consolidation.
Treatment included IV antibiotics (Ceftriaxone 1 g daily for 5 days), nebulised bronchodilators (salbutamol and ipratropium), and IV hydrocortisone tapered to oral prednisolone. Physiotherapy was commenced to aid airway clearance.
Current Condition (19 Oct):
Breathing comfortably on 2L oxygen via nasal prongs
Occasional wheeze on exertion
Producing small amount of clear sputum
Appetite fair
Reports feeling anxious about managing breathlessness at home
Lives alone in a second-floor apartment (no lift access)
Medications on Discharge:
Prednisolone 20 mg daily for 5 days
Salbutamol inhaler (2 puffs PRN)
Tiotropium inhaler once daily
Amlodipine 5 mg once daily (for BP control)
Ongoing Care Instructions:
Educate on proper inhaler use and breathing techniques
Encourage smoking abstinence and avoid exposure to dust or fumes
Monitor oxygen use (2L/min as required; not continuously)
Encourage gradual physical activity and energy conservation
Arrange follow-up with respiratory physician in 10 days
Ensure vaccination updates (influenza and pneumococcal)
Social Notes:
Mr. Langford has limited social support and occasionally forgets medication timings. He has mild anxiety about being alone during episodes of breathlessness.
Writing Task:
Using the information given in the case notes, write a letter to Mr. James Turner, Community Health Nurse, requesting home visits to assist Mr. Langford in managing his COPD following discharge. Include relevant background and outline specific areas requiring nursing attention.
Your letter should be in the correct professional format.
Do not use note form.