OSCA references

Question 1

Why do we carry out hand hygiene when entering the patients surroundings?

Answer 1

As per the World Health Organisation 5 moments of hand hygiene

Question 2

Why do we introduce ourselves to the patient?

Answer 2

As per the #HelloMyNameIs campaign by Kate Granger - to promote a therapeutic relationship.

Question 3

How do we identify patients?

Answer 3

Check their name and date of birth against their wrist band

Question 4

Why do we check what the patient would like to be called?

Answer 4

As per research by Parsons, Hughes and Friedman - states it is useful for effective communication

Question 6

Why do we ensure privacy for patients?

Answer 6

As per the NMC code - must respect people’s right to privacy in all aspects of their care

Question 7

Why do we complete falls risk assessment?

Answer 7

As per the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines which states that a multifactoral falls risk assessment should be undertaken for older people.

Question 8

What does the falls risk assessment involve?

Answer 8

Falls risk assessment - identifies people at risk of falls and begins interventions and preventions

L/S BP - to identify deficits in BP which can result in falls

Bed rails assessment - to identify need for bed rails during inpatient stay

4AT/TIME - detects, manages and prevents delirium/cognitive impairment

Question 9

Why do we gain consent from patients?

Answer 9

As per the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) - states that consent should be gained for all procedures regardless of how big or small they seem

Question 10

Why do we carry out NEWS assessment?

Answer 10

As per NICE guidelines - states that physical observations should be taken for all adult patients in acute hospital settings

Question 11

What must we check before checking blood pressure?

Answer 11

The cuff is the correct size for the patient

Question 12

How is Spo2 reading taken?

Answer 12

Using a pulse oximeter

This measure the level of oxygen in the blood through the use of small light beams that pass through the blood and measuring changes in light absorption.

Question 13

What are we measuring when checking radial pulse?

Answer 13

Speed
Strength
Depth
Rhythm

Question 14

How is temperature generally measured?

Answer 14

In the ear, using a tympanic thermometer

• use a single use probe cover to minimise infection
• ensure pinna of ear is pulled back to open up ear canal

Question 15

What are we measuring when assessing respirations?

Answer 15

Depth
Strength
Chest symmetry
Rate

We do not inform the patient

Question 16

Why would we document blood sugar on NEWS?

Answer 16

For diabetics whose blood sugar must be monitored at varying times throughout the day.

Question 17

When would the Glasgow Coma Scale be used?

Answer 17

In patients with a suspected or known brain injury.

It measures the level of consciousness of the patient.

Question 18

What should we do before leaving patient surroundings?

Answer 18

Ensure patient is comfortable any needs/issues have been addressed

Question 19

What 2 points are important to check before carrying out a Wound assessment?

Answer 19

If analgesia is required

The location of the wound

Question 20

If analgesia is required how would it be administered?

Answer 20

Using the 5 rights of medicine administration:

Right patient
Right route
Right dose
Right time 
Right drug

Question 21

Why is a wound assessment carried out?

Answer 21

To assess the wound bed, plan appropriate interventions and review assessments.

Question 22

What are we looking for during the wound assessment?

Answer 22

Tissue type (granulating, epithelialising, sloughy, necrotic, hyper granulating)

Exudate level (high, moderate, low, purulent, serous)

Skin around the wound(macerated, oedematous, excoriated, healthy etc)

Signs of infection (heat, slough, pain, exudate,odour)

Question 23

What measurements are taken when measuring the wound?

Answer 23

Width
Length
Depth (acknowledge)

Question 24

What dressings would be used on an infected wound?

Answer 24

Hydrogel
Iodine 
Alginate gel
Charcoal for odour
Honey for debridement + if sloughy 

Hydrocolloid dressing for dry wound
Foam dressing for high exudate

Question 25

Why is fluid balance important?

Answer 25

To monitor the input and output of fluids to ensure the patient doesn’t become dehydrated or overloaded whilst on IV fluids

Question 26

Why is GMAWS necessary?

Answer 26

To assess alcohol intake and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and provide treatment and management

As per NICE guidelines - people in suspected alcohol withdrawal should be assessed and monitored immediately and at regular intervals

Question 27

What to tell patient before doing GMAWS?

Answer 27

It is a routine assessment on alcohol intake, it’s only use is to help with your treatment and care

Question 28

Why is MUST assessment done?

Answer 28

To screen for malnutrition as per NICE guidelines - validated tool should be used to enable early and effective interventions for malnutrition