NZREX Clinical Assessment Skills

Question 1

During a NZREX clinical examination, you are assessing a patient with acute abdominal pain. What is the correct sequence for abdominal examination?

Accepted Answer

Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation

Answer

Palpation, percussion, auscultation, inspection

Answer

Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation

Answer

Auscultation, inspection, palpation, percussion

Question 2

In the NZREX exam, what is the essential first step when approaching any clinical station?

Accepted Answer

Introduce yourself, confirm the patient's identity, explain what you intend to do, and obtain consent

Answer

Begin the physical examination immediately to save time

Answer

Read the patient's notes before speaking to them

Answer

Ask the examiner for additional information

Question 3

When performing a cardiovascular examination in the NZREX, what clinical signs should you specifically check in the hands?

Accepted Answer

Clubbing, splinter haemorrhages, Janeway lesions, Osler's nodes, and peripheral cyanosis

Answer

Grip strength and finger dexterity only

Answer

Temperature of the skin only

Answer

Capillary refill time only

Question 4

During a respiratory examination in the NZREX, what does increased tactile vocal fremitus on one side suggest?

Accepted Answer

Consolidation (such as pneumonia) on that side

Answer

Pleural effusion on that side

Answer

Pneumothorax on that side

Answer

Normal finding — no pathology

Question 5

In the NZREX clinical exam, how should you assess for cerebellar dysfunction?

Accepted Answer

Test for dysmetria (finger-nose test), dysdiadochokinesia (rapid alternating movements), intention tremor, gait ataxia, and nystagmus

Answer

Only check for Romberg's sign

Answer

Test deep tendon reflexes only

Answer

Perform a Mini Mental State Examination

Question 6

When examining a patient's thyroid in the NZREX, what is the correct technique?

Accepted Answer

Stand behind the patient, ask them to swallow water, and palpate the thyroid as it moves with swallowing

Answer

Stand in front of the patient and press firmly on the neck

Answer

Use a stethoscope to listen to the thyroid only

Answer

Examine the thyroid with the patient lying flat