OET Speaking (NURSING) - 09, Child Swallowed Button

                              OET Speaking  (NURSING) - 09

                                 

Setting: Emergency Department

NURSE: You see the parent of a three-year-old boy who swallowed a button one hour ago. You checked the boy's vital signs, which are normal, and you observe that the child seems well. You are now going to speak the the parent while the boy waits  in the family waiting room with his grandmother.

* Find out further details about button. (size, shape, material, etc.)

* Explore child's initial symptoms (e.g., drooling, vomiting, stridor, etc.). Find out about any pre-existing conditions (gastrointestinal abnormalities, neuromuscular diseases, etc.)

* Reassure the blockage is unlikely. (low-risk object, natural elimination through defecation, child asymptomatic, etc.)  Find out any further concerns /questions. 

* Describe the next steps (e.g., doctor to check: airways, oropharynx, abdomen; continuous observation, etc.) Outline likely timeframe (e.g., doctor assessment one hour, observation four hours, etc. )

* Advise parent against feeding child. (nil by mouth until doctor's assessment, chance of surgery: very low, but possible, etc.) Recommend distraction activities (e.g., supplied in family room: toys, books; etc.)

                                        Sample Speaking 

Nurse: [Introducing]. Good evening. I'm Kalyani, the nurse here in this Emergency Department.

I have just finished checking your son's vital signs, and everything looks normal. He seems well, and I understand he is in the family room with his grandmother. 

I would like to ask you a few questions about what happened, may I?

[

Exploring] Can you tell me more about the button he swallowed?  What it looked like - its size, shape, and what it is made of ?

Parent: He found it under the table, showed it to me, and swallowed it before I could stop him. 

It was about two cm wide, smooth, round and made of plastic.

Nurse: [Echoing] A smooth, plastic button of about two cm wide - thank for that. 

[Exploring] Has he had any symptoms since then - like vomiting, drooling, or any trouble in breathing?

Inter: No, he  hasn't any symptoms. He seems fine. And he doesn't have any medical conditions. But I'm still worried. I keep thinking that the button might get stuck somewhere and cause a blockage.

Nurse: [Checking emotions]. It's completely understandable to feel like that. You did the right thing by bringing him here promptly. 

[Reassuring] The good news is that, based on what you told me, the button is low-low risk. It's smooth and not too large, and he's showing no signs of distress. 

[Explaining] In most cases like this, when the object is smooth and small,  it passes naturally through the digestive system without any complications. 

Inter: That's a great relief to hear that. What happens next?

Nurse: [bullet point] The next step is for the doctor to examine your son .They will check his airways, his throat, and his abdomen to make sure everything is clear. The assessment should happen within the next hour, just to ensure the child remain well and doesn't develop any symptoms. 

During that time, we continue to monitor him and make sure that everything stays stable.  

Inter: OK, and what should I do while waiting?

Nurse: [explaining] You are welcome to stay in the family room with him - there are toys and books available to keep him entertained. 

[explaining] One important thing we recommend - don't give him anything to eat or drink until the doctor has made the assessment.

Inter: he hasn't eaten anything in hours. I was thinking to give him some quick snacks.

Nurse:  [emphasising] I understand it is difficult, especially the little ones are hungry and restless. 

[Explaining] The reason why we advise keep him "nil by mouth" is for now is because, although the chances of needing surgery is very low, we want to be cautious. If for any reasons, the doctor needed to take quick actions, it's safer if his stomach is empty.

Inter: OK, that make sense. I didn't realise it. 

Nurse: [Reassuring] You are doing a grre3at job staying calm and asking all the right questions.  These things happen so quickly with the toddlers, and it's clear that you acted fast.

Inter: Thank you. I just want to make sure he is OK.

Nurse: Do you have any further questions?

[Summarising] So, just to make a quick re-cap. Your son swallowed a small button about an hour ago. He hasn't shown any symptoms like vomiting, coughing, or trouble breathing. His vital signs are stable, and he seems doing well. 

Next, the doctor will assess him within the hour, and then we will keep him under observation for a few hours. During that time, we will continue to monitor him for any changes. 

[Checking understanding] Is everything clear to you?

Inter: Yes, thank you. I was really worried , but now I feel at ease.

Nurse: I'm glad to hear that. 

Inter. Well, I will wait in the family room with him until the doctor come.

Nurse: [Reassuring] Perfect. In the meantime, feel free to use the toys and the books to keep him distracted . You are safe in our hands

____________ The End__________