OSCE History Taking 3

Question 1

When taking a psychiatric history in an OSCE, after establishing the presenting complaint, what should be specifically explored regarding suicidality?

Accepted Answer

Intent, plan, means, and timeline

Answer

A full suicide risk assessment must include exploring ideation, intent, specific plan, available means, and any intended timeline.

Question 2

A 62-year-old woman presents with weight loss. Which combination of symptoms in the history would most raise suspicion for malignancy?

Accepted Answer

Night sweats, fatigue, and anorexia

Answer

Constitutional symptoms including night sweats, profound fatigue, and anorexia alongside unexplained weight loss are classic 'red flag' features for malignancy.

Question 3

When taking a gynaecological history, which information about menstruation is least relevant to the current presenting complaint of intermenstrual bleeding?

Accepted Answer

Age at menarche

Answer

While age at menarche is part of a complete menstrual history, it is least directly relevant to investigating intermenstrual bleeding compared to current cycle patterns and contraception.

Question 4

In a history of headache, which feature is the most important 'red flag' requiring urgent investigation?

Accepted Answer

Thunderclap onset reaching maximum intensity within seconds

Answer

A thunderclap headache reaching maximum severity within seconds is the classic presentation of subarachnoid haemorrhage and requires immediate CT head.

Question 5

When taking a history from an elderly patient with confusion, what is the most appropriate additional source of collateral history?

Accepted Answer

A family member or regular carer

Answer

A family member or regular carer who knows the patient's baseline cognition and recent changes provides the most reliable collateral history for a confused patient.

OSCE Practice Test

OSCE Practice Test

OSCE History Taking 3