OSCE Neurological Assessment

Question 1

In the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), what does a total score of 15 indicate?

Accepted Answer

Fully alert and oriented — normal neurological status

Answer

A GCS of 15 (E4V5M6) indicates normal eye opening, verbal, and motor responses — the patient is fully awake and oriented.

Question 2

Which cranial nerve is assessed by asking a patient to follow your finger through the six cardinal positions of gaze?

Accepted Answer

Cranial nerves III, IV, and VI (oculomotor, trochlear, abducens)

Answer

The six cardinal positions of gaze test the function of CN III, IV, and VI — the three nerves controlling extraocular eye movements.

Question 3

A positive Babinski sign (upward fanning of toes when the plantar surface of the foot is stroked) in an adult indicates:

Accepted Answer

Upper motor neuron (UMN) lesion — pathological in adults

Answer

A Babinski sign is normal in infants but indicates an upper motor neuron lesion (corticospinal tract damage) in adults — it is always pathological in individuals over 2 years.

Question 4

During cranial nerve assessment, which test evaluates CN II (optic nerve) function?

Accepted Answer

Visual acuity, visual fields, and pupillary light reflex (afferent limb)

Answer

CN II carries visual information; assessment includes visual acuity, visual field testing, and the afferent limb of the pupillary light reflex.

Question 5

The Romberg test assesses:

Accepted Answer

Proprioception and posterior column function of the spinal cord

Answer

The Romberg test distinguishes between proprioceptive (posterior column) ataxia and cerebellar ataxia — a positive result occurs only when eyes are closed, indicating proprioceptive deficit.

OSCE Practice Test

OSCE Practice Test

OSCE Neurological Assessment