NAC OSCE History Taking & Communication

Question 1

During a NAC OSCE station, a patient presents with chest pain. Which mnemonic is most commonly used in Canada to structure a systematic pain history?

Accepted Answer

SOCRATES

Answer

OLDCARTS

Answer

PQRST

Answer

OPQRST

Question 2

A 35-year-old woman presents concerned about an unintended pregnancy. According to Canadian ethical and communication standards, what is the FIRST priority when initiating this consultation?

Accepted Answer

Explore the patient's own feelings and preferences about the pregnancy

Answer

Immediately refer to obstetrics

Answer

Discuss all contraceptive options

Answer

Order a serum beta-hCG to confirm

Question 3

In the NAC OSCE, which communication technique is used to demonstrate active listening and encourage patients to elaborate on their concerns?

Accepted Answer

Facilitation (nodding, 'go on', open-ended follow-up)

Answer

Closed-ended questions

Answer

Interrupting to clarify facts

Answer

Summarising before the patient finishes speaking

Question 4

A 70-year-old man presents with a 3-week history of rectal bleeding. Which aspect of the social history is MOST important to elicit in a Canadian primary care context?

Accepted Answer

Family history of colorectal cancer and personal screening history

Answer

Occupation and workplace exposures

Answer

Travel history to endemic regions

Answer

Sexual history and STI risk

Question 5

When breaking bad news in a Canadian NAC OSCE station using the SPIKES protocol, what does the 'P' stand for?

Accepted Answer

Perception (assess what the patient already knows)

Answer

Plan (treatment options)

Answer

Permission (ask before sharing news)

Answer

Prognosis (expected outcome)

Question 6

A patient mentions using cannabis recreationally. Under Canadian law since 2018, how should a physician address this in a non-judgemental history?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge its legal status, ask about frequency and route, and assess for health impacts

Answer

Ignore it as it is now legal

Answer

Document it as illicit drug use

Answer

Refer the patient to addiction services immediately