Comprehensive NMC OSCE Examination
Question Bank V2.0 UK RN Registration
– Ulster University September Sessions
– Advanced Clinical Reasoning Edition
updated 2026 well written.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Topic Questions
1 NMC Code (2018) – Advanced Application & Ethical Dilemmas Q1–Q12
2 OSCE Structure, Marking Criteria v2.4 & 2026 Updates Q13–Q24
3 APIE – Assessment (A-E, Clinical Reasoning & Red Flags) Q25–Q36
4 APIE – Planning (Prioritisation, SMART Goals & Risk Assessment) Q37–Q48
APIE – Implementation (Medication Safety, Complex Calculations
5 Q49–Q64
& High-Risk Drugs)
6 APIE – Evaluation (SBAR, Escalation & Clinical Deterioration) Q65–Q76
7 Clinical Skills – ANTT, Wound Care & Complex Wound Assessment Q77–Q86
,Section Topic Questions
Clinical Skills – Injections, IV Therapy & Advanced Medication
8 Q87–Q98
Administration
9 Clinical Skills – NEWS2, Deteriorating Patient & Sepsis Recognition Q99–Q110
Clinical Skills – Catheter Care, Specimen Collection & Urinalysis
10 Q111–Q118
Interpretation
11 Professional Values & Behaviours – Complex Scenarios Q119–Q132
Evidence-Based Practice – Critical Appraisal & Research
12 Q133–Q140
Application
13 Patient Safety, Clinical Governance & Duty of Candour Q141–Q146
14 Communication, Consent, Capacity & Mental Capacity Act Q147–Q152
15 Documentation, Record-Keeping & Data Protection Q153–Q158
SECTION 1: NMC CODE (2018) – ADVANCED APPLICATION & ETHICAL DILEMMAS
Q1. A staff nurse observes a newly qualified colleague administering a controlled drug
without a second registered nurse witness, despite the hospital policy clearly requiring dual
verification for all controlled drugs. When challenged, the colleague states they were "too busy
to find a second checker" and that "nothing went wrong." According to the NMC Code (2018),
what is the most appropriate initial action?
A. Address the concern directly with the colleague, explain the policy rationale, and
escalate to the line manager if the behaviour persists
B. Report the colleague to the NMC immediately as this constitutes misconduct
C. Document the incident in the patient's notes but take no further action since no harm
,occurred
D. Ignore the incident as the colleague is newly qualified and still learning
CorreCt Answer: A
Rationale: The NMC Code requires nurses to act immediately if they believe a patient is at risk
and to raise concerns openly. Speaking directly to the colleague first is professional and allows
for immediate correction. Escalation should occur if the behaviour persists. Option B bypasses
local resolution; C fails to act on a safety breach; D condones unsafe practice.
Q2. A nurse discovers that a colleague has been falsifying observation charts to show
normal vital signs for a deteriorating patient. The colleague admits to this but pleads that they
were "overwhelmed" and "didn't want to cause a fuss." Under the NMC Code, what is the
nurse's professional obligation?
A. Agree to keep the matter confidential as the colleague has admitted their error and shown
remorse
B. Escalate the concern immediately through appropriate channels, as falsifying records
is a serious breach of professional standards that compromises patient safety
C. Document the falsification in the patient's notes but not name the colleague
D. Discuss the matter with other colleagues to gather support before taking action
CorreCt Answer: B
Rationale: Falsifying observations is a serious breach of the NMC Code that directly
compromises patient safety. The nurse must escalate immediately. Confidentiality (A),
incomplete documentation (C), or delaying to gather support (D) are all insufficient responses to
this level of misconduct.
Q3. A nurse is caring for a patient who has made a serious complaint about the care they
received from another member of the multidisciplinary team. The patient asks the nurse not to
share the complaint with anyone else. According to the NMC Code principle "Promote
professionalism and trust," what should the nurse do?
A. Agree to keep the complaint confidential as the patient has requested this
B. Explain that complaints must be appropriately shared to enable investigation and
learning, while ensuring the patient's confidentiality is respected throughout the process
C. Share the complaint only with the nurse's line manager but not with the person complained
, about
D. Advise the patient to withdraw the complaint to avoid conflict
CorreCt Answer: B
Rationale: The NMC Code requires that complaints be used as feedback and learning
opportunities. While patient confidentiality must be respected, complaints cannot remain
entirely confidential as they require investigation. Option A is incorrect as it prevents learning; C
is incomplete as the subject of the complaint must be informed; D is unethical.
Q4. A nurse is asked by a family member to disclose whether a patient has been diagnosed
with a terminal illness. The patient has not yet been informed of the diagnosis and has not given
consent for disclosure. What is the nurse's duty under the NMC Code?
A. Disclose the information to the family member as they have a right to know
B. Disclose the information only if the family member is the patient's next of kin
C. Explain that the information is confidential and cannot be shared without the
patient's consent, and encourage the family to discuss their concerns with the patient directly
D. Inform the family member that the patient is terminally ill but ask them not to tell the patient
CorreCt Answer: C
Rationale: Patient confidentiality is absolute unless there is a legal or safeguarding exception.
The diagnosis belongs to the patient, and sharing it without consent is a breach of the NMC
Code. Next of kin status does not override confidentiality.
Q5. A nurse recognises that a colleague is showing signs of professional burnout: chronic
exhaustion, emotional detachment, and cynicism towards patients. The colleague's
performance appears to be declining. Under the NMC Code, what should the nurse do?
A. Raise concerns with the colleague in a supportive manner and encourage them to
seek support, while escalating to management if patient safety is at risk
B. Ignore the signs as burnout is a personal matter
C. Report the colleague to the NMC immediately
D. Discuss the colleague's behaviour with other team members to gather opinions
CorreCt Answer: A
Rationale: Recognising signs of professional burnout is part of the NMC's "Preserve safety"
principle. Nurses have a duty to support colleagues while ensuring patient safety. Option B
ignores the duty; C is disproportionate as a first step; D breaches colleague confidentiality.
Question Bank V2.0 UK RN Registration
– Ulster University September Sessions
– Advanced Clinical Reasoning Edition
updated 2026 well written.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Topic Questions
1 NMC Code (2018) – Advanced Application & Ethical Dilemmas Q1–Q12
2 OSCE Structure, Marking Criteria v2.4 & 2026 Updates Q13–Q24
3 APIE – Assessment (A-E, Clinical Reasoning & Red Flags) Q25–Q36
4 APIE – Planning (Prioritisation, SMART Goals & Risk Assessment) Q37–Q48
APIE – Implementation (Medication Safety, Complex Calculations
5 Q49–Q64
& High-Risk Drugs)
6 APIE – Evaluation (SBAR, Escalation & Clinical Deterioration) Q65–Q76
7 Clinical Skills – ANTT, Wound Care & Complex Wound Assessment Q77–Q86
,Section Topic Questions
Clinical Skills – Injections, IV Therapy & Advanced Medication
8 Q87–Q98
Administration
9 Clinical Skills – NEWS2, Deteriorating Patient & Sepsis Recognition Q99–Q110
Clinical Skills – Catheter Care, Specimen Collection & Urinalysis
10 Q111–Q118
Interpretation
11 Professional Values & Behaviours – Complex Scenarios Q119–Q132
Evidence-Based Practice – Critical Appraisal & Research
12 Q133–Q140
Application
13 Patient Safety, Clinical Governance & Duty of Candour Q141–Q146
14 Communication, Consent, Capacity & Mental Capacity Act Q147–Q152
15 Documentation, Record-Keeping & Data Protection Q153–Q158
SECTION 1: NMC CODE (2018) – ADVANCED APPLICATION & ETHICAL DILEMMAS
Q1. A staff nurse observes a newly qualified colleague administering a controlled drug
without a second registered nurse witness, despite the hospital policy clearly requiring dual
verification for all controlled drugs. When challenged, the colleague states they were "too busy
to find a second checker" and that "nothing went wrong." According to the NMC Code (2018),
what is the most appropriate initial action?
A. Address the concern directly with the colleague, explain the policy rationale, and
escalate to the line manager if the behaviour persists
B. Report the colleague to the NMC immediately as this constitutes misconduct
C. Document the incident in the patient's notes but take no further action since no harm
,occurred
D. Ignore the incident as the colleague is newly qualified and still learning
CorreCt Answer: A
Rationale: The NMC Code requires nurses to act immediately if they believe a patient is at risk
and to raise concerns openly. Speaking directly to the colleague first is professional and allows
for immediate correction. Escalation should occur if the behaviour persists. Option B bypasses
local resolution; C fails to act on a safety breach; D condones unsafe practice.
Q2. A nurse discovers that a colleague has been falsifying observation charts to show
normal vital signs for a deteriorating patient. The colleague admits to this but pleads that they
were "overwhelmed" and "didn't want to cause a fuss." Under the NMC Code, what is the
nurse's professional obligation?
A. Agree to keep the matter confidential as the colleague has admitted their error and shown
remorse
B. Escalate the concern immediately through appropriate channels, as falsifying records
is a serious breach of professional standards that compromises patient safety
C. Document the falsification in the patient's notes but not name the colleague
D. Discuss the matter with other colleagues to gather support before taking action
CorreCt Answer: B
Rationale: Falsifying observations is a serious breach of the NMC Code that directly
compromises patient safety. The nurse must escalate immediately. Confidentiality (A),
incomplete documentation (C), or delaying to gather support (D) are all insufficient responses to
this level of misconduct.
Q3. A nurse is caring for a patient who has made a serious complaint about the care they
received from another member of the multidisciplinary team. The patient asks the nurse not to
share the complaint with anyone else. According to the NMC Code principle "Promote
professionalism and trust," what should the nurse do?
A. Agree to keep the complaint confidential as the patient has requested this
B. Explain that complaints must be appropriately shared to enable investigation and
learning, while ensuring the patient's confidentiality is respected throughout the process
C. Share the complaint only with the nurse's line manager but not with the person complained
, about
D. Advise the patient to withdraw the complaint to avoid conflict
CorreCt Answer: B
Rationale: The NMC Code requires that complaints be used as feedback and learning
opportunities. While patient confidentiality must be respected, complaints cannot remain
entirely confidential as they require investigation. Option A is incorrect as it prevents learning; C
is incomplete as the subject of the complaint must be informed; D is unethical.
Q4. A nurse is asked by a family member to disclose whether a patient has been diagnosed
with a terminal illness. The patient has not yet been informed of the diagnosis and has not given
consent for disclosure. What is the nurse's duty under the NMC Code?
A. Disclose the information to the family member as they have a right to know
B. Disclose the information only if the family member is the patient's next of kin
C. Explain that the information is confidential and cannot be shared without the
patient's consent, and encourage the family to discuss their concerns with the patient directly
D. Inform the family member that the patient is terminally ill but ask them not to tell the patient
CorreCt Answer: C
Rationale: Patient confidentiality is absolute unless there is a legal or safeguarding exception.
The diagnosis belongs to the patient, and sharing it without consent is a breach of the NMC
Code. Next of kin status does not override confidentiality.
Q5. A nurse recognises that a colleague is showing signs of professional burnout: chronic
exhaustion, emotional detachment, and cynicism towards patients. The colleague's
performance appears to be declining. Under the NMC Code, what should the nurse do?
A. Raise concerns with the colleague in a supportive manner and encourage them to
seek support, while escalating to management if patient safety is at risk
B. Ignore the signs as burnout is a personal matter
C. Report the colleague to the NMC immediately
D. Discuss the colleague's behaviour with other team members to gather opinions
CorreCt Answer: A
Rationale: Recognising signs of professional burnout is part of the NMC's "Preserve safety"
principle. Nurses have a duty to support colleagues while ensuring patient safety. Option B
ignores the duty; C is disproportionate as a first step; D breaches colleague confidentiality.
