NAC OSCE History Taking

Question 1

A 45-year-old patient presents with chest pain. Which of the following questions is MOST important to ask first?

Accepted Answer

Can you describe the pain — its location, character, onset, duration, and what makes it better or worse?

Answer

Have you had any recent surgery?

Answer

Do you have a family history of heart disease?

Answer

Are you currently taking any medications?

Question 2

When taking a history from a patient with abdominal pain, which associated symptom is MOST suggestive of a surgical emergency?

Accepted Answer

Rigid abdomen with rebound tenderness and fever

Answer

Bloating after meals

Answer

Occasional heartburn

Answer

Mild constipation for the past week

Question 3

A patient reports a 3-month history of unintentional weight loss. Which set of additional questions is MOST appropriate for the review of systems?

Accepted Answer

Questions about appetite changes, night sweats, fever, fatigue, bowel habit changes, and any lumps or masses

Answer

Questions about diet preferences and exercise routine only

Answer

Questions about recent travel only

Answer

Questions about stress at work only

Question 4

When taking a medication history, which of the following is MOST important to document in addition to prescribed medications?

Accepted Answer

Over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, and any recreational drug use

Answer

The colour of each medication

Answer

The pharmacy where prescriptions are filled

Answer

Whether the patient prefers brand-name or generic medications

Question 5

A 28-year-old woman presents with headache. Which element of the social history is MOST relevant to explore?

Accepted Answer

Use of oral contraceptives, caffeine intake, stress levels, sleep patterns, and occupational exposures

Answer

Her favourite hobbies

Answer

Her pet ownership

Answer

Her favourite foods

Question 6

When obtaining a family history, which pattern of disease is MOST suggestive of a hereditary condition requiring further investigation?

Accepted Answer

Multiple first-degree relatives with the same type of cancer diagnosed before age 50

Answer

One grandparent with type 2 diabetes diagnosed at age 80

Answer

A distant cousin with asthma

Answer

An uncle with a sports injury