OSCE OSCE Physical Examination Techniques 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In an OSCE physical exam station, what is the correct sequence for abdominal examination?
- Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation (Correct answer)
- Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
- Palpation, inspection, auscultation, percussion
- Auscultation, percussion, palpation, inspection
Correct answer: Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
The abdomen is assessed in the order of inspection, auscultation, percussion, then palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds before listening.
Question 2: During an OSCE respiratory exam, where should you place your stethoscope to best auscultate the right middle lobe?
- Right lateral chest at the level of the nipple anteriorly (Correct answer)
- Right upper posterior chest
- Left lower anterior chest
- Left lateral chest below the axilla
Correct answer: Right lateral chest at the level of the nipple anteriorly
The right middle lobe is best auscultated at the right anterior lateral chest at approximately the nipple level.
Question 3: An OSCE candidate performs the Romberg test. What does a positive result indicate?
- Proprioceptive or vestibular dysfunction (Correct answer)
- Cerebellar dysfunction only
- Upper motor neuron lesion
- Lower motor neuron lesion
Correct answer: Proprioceptive or vestibular dysfunction
A positive Romberg test (swaying with eyes closed) indicates impaired proprioception or vestibular function, not cerebellar disease.
Question 4: In an OSCE cardiovascular exam station, which area of the chest is the best location to auscultate the aortic valve?
- Right second intercostal space at the sternal border (Correct answer)
- Left fifth intercostal space midclavicular line
- Left second intercostal space at the sternal border
- Left lower sternal border
Correct answer: Right second intercostal space at the sternal border
The aortic valve is classically auscultated at the right second intercostal space along the sternal border.
Question 5: During an OSCE neurological exam, you test the patellar reflex and find it hyperreflexic. This finding most likely indicates which type of lesion?
- Upper motor neuron lesion (Correct answer)
- Lower motor neuron lesion
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Neuromuscular junction disorder
Correct answer: Upper motor neuron lesion
Hyperreflexia indicates loss of inhibitory control from the corticospinal tract, which is characteristic of an upper motor neuron lesion.
Question 6: In an OSCE physical exam station, a positive Kernig's sign is demonstrated by which finding?
- Inability to extend the knee when the hip is flexed to 90 degrees (Correct answer)
- Flexion of the hips when the neck is flexed
- Pain on straight leg raise below 60 degrees
- Wrist drop with radial nerve compression
Correct answer: Inability to extend the knee when the hip is flexed to 90 degrees
Kernig's sign is positive when the patient cannot fully extend the knee with the hip flexed, indicating meningeal irritation.
OSCE OSCE Physical Examination Techniques 1
In an OSCE physical exam station, what is the correct sequence for abdominal examination?