Physical Examination Flashcards
7 cards from real OSCE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Physical Examination flashcards as text
Which technique is used to distinguish ascites from a large ovarian cyst on abdominal examination?
Answer: Shifting dullness
Shifting dullness demonstrates fluid that moves with gravity (ascites), while a cyst maintains its position; a cyst also produces resonance at the flanks.
When testing cranial nerve VII (facial nerve), which movement specifically tests the upper motor neuron pathway?
Answer: Raising eyebrows
Raising the eyebrows (forehead movement) is spared in upper motor neuron lesions because the forehead receives bilateral cortical input.
During cardiovascular examination, which pulse character is described as a rapid upstroke and collapse, associated with aortic regurgitation?
Answer: Collapsing (water-hammer) pulse
A collapsing (water-hammer) pulse has a rapid rise and sudden collapse, classically associated with aortic regurgitation due to high pulse pressure.
A patient has decreased breath sounds, stony dull percussion, and decreased vocal fremitus at the right base. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer: Right-sided pleural effusion
Stony dull percussion with decreased breath sounds and decreased vocal fremitus at the lung base indicates fluid in the pleural space.
When examining for hepatomegaly, percussion of the liver span reveals the upper border at the 5th intercostal space and lower border 6 cm below the right costal margin. This represents:
Answer: Mild hepatomegaly
Normal liver span is approximately 6-12 cm in the mid-clavicular line; extension 6 cm below the costal margin indicates mild hepatomegaly.
Which clinical sign, elicited by passive dorsiflexion of the foot with the knee extended, suggests meningeal irritation?
Answer: Kernig's sign
Kernig's sign is positive when extension of the knee with the hip flexed to 90 degrees causes pain and resistance due to meningeal irritation.
On otoscopic examination, a pearly white membrane with a cone of light at the 5 o'clock position in the right ear indicates:
Answer: Normal tympanic membrane
A pearly white, translucent tympanic membrane with the light reflex at 5 o'clock (right ear) represents a normal finding on otoscopy.
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