OET Speaking Role-Play Test 11

OET Speaking Role-Play – Nurse (ELEVENTH ROLE-PLAY)

Setting: Hospital Outpatient Department

You are speaking to a 40-year-old woman who has been referred for advice on managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). She feels confused and overwhelmed by the diagnosis.

TASKS:

• Explain what IBS is and reassure her that it is a manageable condition.
• Ask about her current symptoms and how long she’s had them.
• Explain common triggers (e.g., stress, certain foods, irregular meals).
• Offer dietary advice (low-FODMAP diet, fibre intake, avoiding caffeine/alcohol).
• Suggest stress-reduction techniques or refer to counselling if needed.
• Reassure the patient and encourage her to ask questions and take notes.

Interlocutor Role (Practice Partner)

• You are a 40-year-old woman recently diagnosed with IBS.
• You feel overwhelmed and are unsure what it means.
• You ask if it’s a serious disease or if it can be cured.
• You often experience stomach pain and bloating.
• You don’t know what food you should avoid.
• You ask if stress can really affect digestion.

SOLUTION ROLE-PLAY


Nurse Nishe:
Good morning, Ms. Roy. I’m Nurse Nishe, and I understand you've been referred here to discuss your recent diagnosis of IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. How are you feeling about it?

Patient (Ms. Roy):
Honestly, I’m overwhelmed. I don’t really know what it means. Is this something serious? Can it be cured?

Nurse Nishe:
Thank you for sharing that—it's completely normal to feel confused at first. Let me reassure you: IBS is not a serious or life-threatening disease, and it doesn't cause damage to the bowel. While there’s no complete “cure,” it is very manageable with the right diet, lifestyle, and stress management techniques. Many people with IBS live full, healthy lives.

Patient:
That’s a relief. I’ve had a lot of stomach pain and bloating for a while now. I just didn’t know what was going on.

Nurse Nishe:
I’m sorry to hear you've been dealing with that. May I ask—how long have you been experiencing those symptoms, and are there particular times when it feels worse?

Patient:
It’s been on and off for almost a year. It’s worse after meals sometimes, and I often feel bloated at the end of the day.

Nurse Nishe:
Thank you, that’s helpful to know. IBS can be triggered by a combination of factors, including certain foods, irregular eating habits, and stress. Common culprits include:
• Dairy, beans, and some vegetables like onions or garlic (known as high-FODMAP foods)
• Caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks
• Skipping meals or eating too quickly
Would it be okay if I gave you some dietary advice?

Patient:
Yes, please. I really don’t know what to avoid.

Nurse Nishe:
A good starting point is to try a low-FODMAP diet, which limits foods that may ferment in your gut and cause symptoms. You might also want to increase soluble fibre gradually—foods like oats, bananas, and carrots help regulate digestion.
Also, try to eat smaller, more frequent meals, and drink plenty of water. Reducing caffeine and alcohol can really help too. If you’d like, I can refer you to a dietitian who specialises in IBS to guide you through the process more closely.

Patient:
That would be great. And… does stress really affect digestion?

Nurse Nishe:
Yes, it can. There’s a strong link between the gut and the brain, so stress and anxiety can worsen IBS symptoms. Even if stress isn’t the main cause, it can trigger flare-ups. Techniques like deep breathing, yoga, meditation, or talking to a counsellor can make a big difference. Would you like me to refer you to someone who can support you with stress management?

Patient:
Maybe, yes. I hadn’t thought of that before.

Nurse Nishe:
I’ll include that in your care plan. You're already doing the right thing by asking questions and being open to solutions. Would you like to take some notes, or shall I provide a handout summarising what we’ve discussed?

Patient:
A handout would be helpful, thank you.

Nurse Nishe:
Absolutely. I’ll give you that now, along with contact details if you have questions later. Please remember—you’re not alone, and we’ll work together to find a routine that works for you.
Do you have any other questions or concerns you'd like to talk about today?

Patient:
No, that’s been really helpful. I feel much better now. Thank you, Nurse Nishe.

Nurse Nishe:
You’re very welcome, Ms. Roy. We’re here to support you. Take care, and we’ll follow up soon.

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