OSCE OSCE Physical Examination Techniques 2

Question 1

During an OSCE physical exam, you assess for tactile fremitus. Which finding indicates consolidation of the lung tissue?

Accepted Answer

Increased fremitus over the affected area

Answer

Consolidation transmits vibrations more efficiently than air-filled lung, resulting in increased tactile fremitus over the affected area.

Question 2

In an OSCE exam station, you assess for ascites using the shifting dullness technique. What does a positive test indicate?

Accepted Answer

Free fluid in the peritoneal cavity

Answer

Shifting dullness — where percussion dullness moves with patient position — confirms the presence of free fluid in the abdomen.

Question 3

An OSCE candidate performs the straight leg raise (SLR) test. At what angle of pain reproduction is this test considered positive for lumbar nerve root irritation?

Accepted Answer

Pain reproduced between 30 and 70 degrees of hip flexion

Answer

The SLR test is considered positive when sciatic-distribution pain is reproduced between 30–70 degrees of hip flexion, indicating L4–S1 nerve root irritation.

Question 4

During an OSCE cardiovascular exam, you identify a midsystolic click followed by a late systolic murmur. Which valvular condition does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

Mitral valve prolapse

Answer

A midsystolic click followed by a late systolic murmur is the hallmark auscultatory finding of mitral valve prolapse.

Question 5

In an OSCE eye exam station, you use the cover-uncover test. What does this test assess?

Accepted Answer

Ocular alignment and presence of strabismus

Answer

The cover-uncover test detects manifest or latent strabismus by observing eye movement when one eye is covered and uncovered.

OSCE Practice Test

OSCE Practice Test

OSCE OSCE Physical Examination Techniques 2