OET Speaking Role-Play Test 35
OET Speaking Role-Play – Nurse (THIRTY-FIFTH ROLE-PLAY)
Setting: General Practice Clinic
You are speaking to a 52-year-old man who recently underwent prostate surgery. He is experiencing urinary incontinence and is embarrassed to talk about it.
TASKS:
• Gently initiate a discussion about post-surgical recovery and urinary issues.
• Reassure the patient that urinary incontinence is common after prostate surgery and usually improves with time.
• Explain the role and technique of pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises in strengthening bladder control.
• Offer practical advice:
o Managing fluid intake throughout the day
o Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
o Using discreet absorbent pads if necessary
• Address the emotional impact (e.g., embarrassment, frustration) and reassure him that he's not alone.
• Encourage follow-up with the urologist and suggest joining a support group or accessing resources.
Interlocutor Role (Practice Partner)
• You are a 52-year-old man recovering from prostate surgery.
• You are embarrassed and haven’t told anyone about your urinary leakage.
• You are worried that it might be permanent.
• You ask, “Is there anything I can do to fix this?â€
• You hesitate but really want advice and support.
Nurse:
Good morning, Mr. [Patient’s Last Name]. It’s good to see you today. I understand you recently had prostate surgery — I’d like to talk with you about your recovery, if that’s okay?
Patient:
Uh… yes, sure. There’s something that’s been bothering me, but it’s kind of embarrassing.
Nurse:
Please don’t worry. Many men feel that way after prostate surgery, and you’re definitely not alone. Everything we talk about stays confidential. Would you feel comfortable sharing what’s been going on?
Patient:
I’ve been having some… leakage. Urinary incontinence. It’s really upsetting. I haven’t even told my partner yet. I’m scared it might be permanent.
Nurse:
Thank you for trusting me with that. What you’re experiencing is actually very common after prostate surgery, especially in the first few weeks or months. In most cases, it improves significantly over time, especially with the right care and exercises.
Patient:
Is there anything I can do to fix this?
Nurse:
Yes, absolutely. One of the most effective ways to strengthen bladder control is by doing pelvic floor exercises, also called Kegel exercises. They target the muscles that help control urination. I can teach you how to do them correctly — would you like me to walk you through it now?
Patient:
Yes, please. That would help.
Nurse:
Great. You’ll want to imagine tightening the muscles you'd use to stop yourself from passing gas — hold for about 5 seconds, then relax for 5 seconds. Do this about 10 times, 3 times a day. With consistency, many men notice improvement in a few weeks.
Patient:
Okay. I can try that. But it’s affecting my daily life — I don’t even want to go out.
Nurse:
That’s completely understandable. It’s frustrating and emotionally draining. But please know, you're not alone, and there are discreet ways to manage symptoms while you recover. For instance, absorbent pads can offer reassurance, and they’re now very discreet and comfortable.
Also, managing your fluid intake helps — drink plenty of water during the day but reduce intake a couple of hours before bedtime. It’s also best to avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can irritate the bladder.
Patient:
I’ve been avoiding drinking water altogether to avoid leaks.
Nurse:
I understand the instinct, but staying hydrated is important. Dehydration can irritate the bladder and make symptoms worse. So instead of cutting fluids completely, spread them out across the day in moderate amounts.
Patient:
That makes sense. Is there anyone else I can talk to about this?
Nurse:
Yes — I’d strongly encourage you to follow up with your urologist, who can assess your progress and offer medical options if needed. Also, there are men’s health support groups, both online and in person, where you can share experiences and learn coping tips. I can give you some contacts if you'd like?
Patient:
Yes, that would be great. I really didn’t expect all of this.
Nurse:
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. But with the right care and patience, many men recover well. And you’ve already taken a very important step by speaking up about it. Please know that you’re supported — and if you ever feel unsure, we’re just a phone call away.
Patient:
Thank you. I already feel a bit more hopeful now.
Nurse:
You’re most welcome. Let’s take this one step at a time. Would you like me to provide a written summary of the exercises and self-care tips we discussed?