OET Warm-Up Questions with Answers: Boost Your Exam Preparation

What’s the hardest thing about being a nurse?
For me, the hardest thing about nursing is the physical side. Being on my feet for an entire 12-hour shift, working night shifts, and lifting patients takes a toll. I take weekly yoga classes and do CrossFit for stamina and endurance. The stronger I am physically, the better I can deal with whatever nursing throws my way.

Are you comfortable working with other doctors and nurses?
I find I work well under a variety of conditions and circumstances and I take pride in my flexibility. I really enjoy working in a team because I often find that different viewpoints can help me find solutions to a problem I might not think of on my own. I also enjoy self-motivating and I am equally comfortable working alone.

What are the different roles of a nurse?
According to me, a nurse plays different roles in her profession. The main role of a nurse is caregiver. Along with that, she can work as an advocate for the patients or as a mediator or counselor, or sometimes she can be an educator for junior nurses.

Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses.
I strongly believe that I have good communication skills and I possess good leadership qualities. Moreover, I really listen to what a patient tells me, hence I feel my listening skill is the best. When it comes to my weakness, I think I am a little stressed, and some critical situations make me nervous. However, I am managing these limitations by practicing meditation and yoga. The good thing is that I see a lot of changes nowadays, and now I am more confident in handling any difficult situations.

How do you deal with someone who isn’t satisfied with your patient care?
There are instances where the patients are not happy with our care. Difficult patients have one thing in common: they are unhappy with some aspect of the service they’ve received at our facility. It’s our responsibility to address the complaint diplomatically and ensure it will not negatively affect the patient’s satisfaction. So, if it happens, I usually listen to them carefully, identify their problem, and empathize with them. Then, I’ll try to find a better solution. In case I am not able to do so, I’ll definitely get the support of my seniors or any doctors.

Do you think nurses should attend continuous nursing education?
Yes, I strongly believe that the continuous nursing education program helps nurses to update themselves with the current practices in the profession. Moreover, it is mandatory to have specific hours of continuous nursing education in order to renew nursing registration. Hence, continuous nursing education is extremely important for nurses.

What are the current trends in this profession?
Nursing is a dynamic profession, and changes happen on a daily basis. Nowadays, technology plays a vital role in my profession. For instance, paper records that we used in older days have been updated to electronic records. Besides, at present, we are following evidence-based practice, which means there is a scientific rationale for each and every procedure. Moreover, nowadays a nurse can function as a nurse practitioner, which is equivalent to the position of a physician.

If you get a chance to change one thing in this profession, what would that be?
Well, if I get an opportunity to change one thing in this profession, I would definitely change the attitude towards nursing because I strongly believe that nurses deserve more respect and recognition in society.

Describe some of the ethics which you are following in your profession.
Of course, nurses should maintain some ethics in their life, such as punctuality, honesty, and truthfulness. Moreover, it is highly important to maintain the confidentiality of the patient.

Tell me about a difficult situation you experienced in your profession.
Once, I had an Arabic patient who couldn’t speak English, and I was not able to speak in their language. It was really difficult for me to understand his concerns. However, I handled the situation by seeking the help of a translator.

Could you talk about the risk involved in nursing?
There are certain risks involved in nursing. There are chances of getting chronic back pain and radiation exposure, and we may also get needle-stick injuries. In addition to that, there are chances of getting infections like TB or HIV.

How do you manage your stress at work?
I manage my stress during work through proper planning. That is, I prioritize my patients based on their conditions. Therefore, I will be able to attend to all my patients on time with proper care.

How do you manage your time at work?
I usually manage my time through proper planning and prioritizing patients, and I can proudly say that I was never late in doing my responsibilities until now.

Tell me about your hometown.
My hometown is Idukki, Kerala. It is one of the main tourist destinations in Kerala. Moreover, it’s famous for its cultural heritage. My hometown is blessed with beautiful landscapes, greenery, and backwaters.

What are the necessary skills required for a nurse?
I believe that there are many essential skills required for a nurse, such as listening skills, communication skills, observation skills, and critical thinking skills.

Could you please tell me the most satisfying element in your profession?
The most satisfying element in my profession is the positive feedback from patients that I receive at the end of my care, I mean, when they recover from their illnesses. Moreover, the smile at the time of their discharge from the hospital.

A patient’s relative is worried about infection risks in the hospital. How would you reassure them while explaining safety protocols?
I understand your concern. We follow strict hygiene measures like hand sanitization, PPE use, and regular surface disinfection. All staff are trained in infection control to minimize risks.

Your colleague is overwhelmed with tasks. How would you advise them to prioritize patient care efficiently?
I’d suggest triaging patients by urgency first—critical cases get immediate attention. Then, delegate tasks like vitals checks to assistants, and always document as you go to save time.

A junior nurse feels stressed about night shifts. What practical tips would you share to help them cope?
Night shifts can be tough. I plan short breaks for hydration/stretching, avoid heavy meals, and use caffeine wisely. A 20-minute power nap before the shift also helps me stay alert.

An elderly patient refuses to take their medication, saying it’s ‘too many pills’. How would you address this?
I’d explain each medication’s purpose in simple terms—for example, ‘This blue pill protects your heart.’ If side effects worry them, I’d involve the doctor to adjust the regimen.

How do you handle conflicts with doctors or colleagues?
When disagreements happen, I focus on the patient’s best interest first. I’ll calmly present my perspective with evidence, but ultimately respect the chain of command. Most conflicts come from miscommunication, so I’ve learned to clarify things immediately.

What would you do if you made a medication error?
First, I’d immediately assess the patient’s condition and inform the doctor. Then document everything accurately while remembering this golden rule: patient safety comes before my embarrassment. Every mistake becomes a lesson – I’d review the 5 Rights of medication administration to prevent recurrence.

How do you maintain cultural sensitivity with diverse patients?
I start by checking any special needs during admission. Simple things matter – like knowing some cultures prefer same-gender caregivers or have dietary restrictions. When unsure, I ask politely. Recently I learned basic greetings in Arabic for our Middle Eastern patients – their surprised smiles make the effort worthwhile.

Describe your approach to patient education.
I tailor it to each person – some need demonstrations, others prefer written instructions. The key is checking understanding; I always ask them to explain back in their own words. For elderly patients, I involve family members and use larger print materials.

How do you stay updated with medical advancements?
Our hospital provides monthly training sessions, but I also subscribe to nursing journals and participate in online forums. Recently I completed a wound care certification because we’re seeing more diabetic patients with complex needs.

What’s your process for handover between shifts?
I follow ISBAR protocol – Identify, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation. I highlight any critical changes first, then pending tasks. For complex cases, I’ll do a quick bedside introduction to maintain continuity of care.

How would you handle a non-compliant diabetic patient?
First, I’d explore why they’re struggling – is it cost, side effects, or misunderstanding? One patient thought insulin would make him blind like his uncle. After explaining the difference between uncontrolled diabetes and treatment effects, he became much more compliant.

Describe a time you advocated for a patient.
A postoperative patient kept saying his pain wasn’t controlled, but his stoic expression made doctors underestimate it. I tracked his vital signs and medication responses, then presented the data. The pain management plan was adjusted, and he finally rested comfortably.

How do you balance empathy with professionalism?
It’s like adjusting a IV drip – too much emotion clouds judgment, too little feels cold. I show care through active listening and explaining procedures thoroughly, but maintain boundaries. After difficult cases, I debrief with colleagues instead of taking it home.

What would you do if a patient disclosed abuse?
I’d follow our mandatory reporting protocol immediately while assuring them it’s for their safety. The tricky part is documenting facts without judgment – “Patient stated her husband pushed her” rather than “Patient was abused.” I’d also alert our social worker for follow-up support.

How do you prepare for high-stress situations like codes?
Muscle memory from regular simulations helps tremendously. I mentally rehearse the crash cart layout and my assigned role. The real secret? Controlled breathing – it keeps me focused when the alarm sounds.

What qualities make an exceptional nurse?
Beyond clinical skills, it’s about situational awareness – noticing subtle changes before they become emergencies. The best nurses I know combine curiosity with compassion. They’re always learning, but never too busy to hold a hand.

How do you handle family members who interfere with care?
I acknowledge their concern first – “I see how much you care about your mother.” Then clearly explain our medical rationale. If they insist on unhelpful traditional remedies, I negotiate safe compromises like allowing spiritual rituals that don’t interfere with treatment.

Describe your infection control routine.
It’s become second nature – hand hygiene before and after every patient, even when wearing gloves. I’m particular about not touching my face or phone during shifts. During flu season, I’m that nurse reminding everyone about proper mask techniques – yes, even in the break room.

How do you handle a patient who’s constantly pressing the call button?
I first assess if there’s a genuine medical need. If it’s for companionship, I’ll schedule regular check-ins to reassure them. For one anxious patient, I created a simple “comfort menu” with options like tea or extra pillows – it reduced calls by 70% while making them feel cared for.

What would you do if you noticed a doctor’s prescription error?
I’d respectfully double-check with the doctor using the SBAR technique: “Doctor, I noticed the dose on Mr. Lee’s antibiotic seems higher than standard. Could we review this together?” Patient safety is our shared priority, and most doctors appreciate this collaborative approach.

How do you comfort family members during end-of-life care?
I focus on being fully present – sometimes silence speaks louder than words. Practical gestures matter too, like ensuring private space or making tea. Recently, I helped a daughter record her voice reading her father’s favorite poems – a precious memory she later thanked me for.

Describe your approach to pain assessment in non-verbal patients.
Beyond scales, I watch for subtle signs – clenched fists, guarding behaviors, or changes in vital signs. With dementia patients, I’ve learned their unique pain expressions through family input. One gentleman would hum off-key when in discomfort – his daughter’s insight helped us better manage his arthritis.

How do you maintain energy during long shifts?
I swear by the “3-2-1 method”: 3 healthy snacks, 2 short walks, and 1 mental reset (even just 30 seconds of deep breathing). Hydration is key – I keep a marked water bottle to track intake. A veteran nurse once told me, “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” and she was absolutely right.

What would you do if a patient confessed suicidal thoughts?
I’d stay calm and use direct but compassionate language: “I’m glad you shared this with me.” Then immediately follow our protocol – never leaving them alone, removing potential hazards, and notifying the mental health team. Last month, my thorough documentation helped secure timely intervention for a postpartum patient.