OET Speaking Role-Play Test 16
OET Speaking Role-Play – Nurse (SIXTEENTH ROLE-PLAY)
Setting: General Practice Clinic
You are speaking to a 33-year-old man who has recently been diagnosed with high cholesterol. He has come in today after receiving his test results.
TASKS:
• Explain what high cholesterol is and why it’s important to manage it.
• Ask about his diet and lifestyle habits.
• Offer dietary advice (reduce saturated fats, increase fibre, use healthy oils like olive oil).
• Encourage regular physical activity and weight management.
• Discuss medication if prescribed, including its purpose and possible side effects.
• Reassure the patient and help him set small, realistic lifestyle goals.
Interlocutor Role (Practice Partner)
• You are a 33-year-old man recently told you have high cholesterol.
• You are surprised because you thought you were healthy.
• You want to know if it’s serious and if it can be reversed.
• You are unsure what foods are good or bad for cholesterol.
• You ask if medication is really necessary.
• You feel anxious about long-term health effects.
SOLUTION ROLE-PLAY
Nurse Nishe:
Good morning, Mr. Mehra. I’m Nurse Nishe, and I understand you’re here to discuss your recent cholesterol test results. How are you feeling about the diagnosis?
Patient (Mr. Mehra):
Honestly, I’m really surprised. I thought I was doing okay. Is this something serious?
Nurse Nishe:
I can understand your concern—it’s quite common to feel that way, especially when you don’t have obvious symptoms. Let me reassure you: high cholesterol is manageable, but yes, it’s important to address it early. High cholesterol means there’s too much fat (specifically LDL cholesterol) in your blood, which can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease or stroke over time.
Patient:
So… can it be reversed?
Nurse Nishe:
That’s a great question. In many cases, with the right lifestyle changes—such as improving your diet and increasing physical activity—cholesterol levels can come down significantly, sometimes even without medication. And even if medication is needed, these lifestyle habits still play a vital role in controlling your health long-term.
Patient:
Okay. I guess I need to look at my food. What should I avoid?
Nurse Nishe:
Let’s go over that together. Can I first ask—what does your typical daily diet look like?
Patient:
Well, I do eat out a few times a week. I like fried snacks and red meat sometimes. Not too much fruit or salad though.
Nurse Nishe:
Thanks for sharing that—it gives me a clearer picture. To lower your cholesterol, we recommend:
• Reducing saturated fats found in red meat, butter, and fried foods.
• Increasing fibre intake through whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
• Using healthy oils like olive or canola oil instead of ghee or butter.
• Limiting processed foods and avoiding trans fats.
Even small changes, like grilling instead of frying or switching to low-fat dairy, can make a big difference.
Patient:
That makes sense. What about exercise?
Nurse Nishe:
Regular physical activity is really important. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity—like brisk walking—most days of the week. If that feels overwhelming, start small: even 15 minutes twice a day is a good beginning. Exercise helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol. It also helps with weight management, which is often linked to cholesterol levels.
Patient:
My doctor mentioned medication. Is it really necessary?
Nurse Nishe:
In some cases, yes—especially if cholesterol levels are quite high or if there are other risk factors like high blood pressure or family history. Medications like statins help reduce cholesterol production in the liver. We usually combine them with lifestyle changes for the best results. Side effects are generally mild but can include muscle aches or stomach upset, which we’ll monitor.
Patient:
Okay. I’m still feeling a bit anxious about what this means for my future.
Nurse Nishe:
That’s perfectly normal. But please know you’re taking the right steps now, which will have a long-term benefit. Would it help if we set a few simple goals to begin with?
Patient:
Yes, I’d like that.
Nurse Nishe:
Great. How about we start with:
• Replacing one fried meal a day with a home-cooked option
• Adding one serving of fruit or salad to your meals
• Walking for 20 minutes, three times this week
These are achievable and will help build your confidence. We’ll review your progress at your next appointment.
Patient:
That sounds manageable. Thank you, Nurse Nishe. I really appreciate your help.
Nurse Nishe:
You're most welcome, Mr. Mehra. Remember, we're here to support you. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns before your next visit.