NMC CBT case studies
NMC CBT · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The NMC CBT is the computer-based test used within the Nursing and Midwifery Council's registration route for internationally trained nurses, midwives and nursing associates who want to join the UK register. The NMC describes itself as "the independent regulator of more than 867,000 nursing and midwifery professionals" and states that it "protect[s] the public by setting and upholding high education and professional standards for Nurses and Midwives." The test is a multiple-choice exam that samples the knowledge and judgement expected of a registered professional, and preparation should be built around the NMC's own published standards rather than around any single commercial question bank. The NMC CBT case studies are 5 cases and about 3,351 words.
1The deteriorating patient at the end of a busy shift
It is 19:20 on a 12-hour day shift on a 30-bed medical ward. You are the registered nurse for 9 patients; the ward has one healthcare support worker per 8 patients and no supernumerary shift coordinator because the coordinator is covering a sick call on another ward.
920 words, about 5 min2Consent, capacity and a patient who wants to leave
Mr Okafor, 54, is on a surgical ward day 2 after an emergency laparotomy. Overnight he became agitated and confused (4AT score 7, suggesting possible delirium).
683 words, about 3 min3Medication error, honesty and the duty of candour
You are a newly registered nurse on a care of the elderly ward. During a busy drug round you administer 10 mg of oxycodone to Mr Patel instead of the prescribed 5 mg because you misread the chart.
556 words, about 3 min4Confidentiality, social media and a vulnerable teenager
You are a midwife on a antenatal clinic. A 16-year-old, Chantelle, attends alone for her first appointment.
608 words, about 3 min5Delegation, scope of practice and a short-staffed night
It is 02:00 on a 24-bed surgical ward. You are the only registered nurse; the HCSW is a bank worker on her second shift, and there is no ward manager or coordinator on site.
584 words, about 3 min