OSCE Physical Examination Techniques Flashcards

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

Answer: Increased fremitus over the affected area

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

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

Answer: Free fluid in the peritoneal cavity

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

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?

Answer: Pain reproduced between 30 and 70 degrees of hip flexion

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.

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

Answer: Mitral valve prolapse

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

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

Answer: Ocular alignment and presence of strabismus

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

During an OSCE musculoskeletal exam, you perform the McMurray test. Which structure are you specifically assessing?

Answer: Menisci of the knee

The McMurray test assesses meniscal integrity by applying rotational stress to the knee with varying degrees of flexion.