OSCE OSCE Neurological Assessment 3

Question 1

A patient demonstrates an intention tremor that worsens as the hand approaches a target during the finger-nose test. Which structure is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Answer

Intention tremor that worsens near the target is a hallmark of cerebellar dysfunction, particularly affecting the ipsilateral hemisphere.

Question 2

When testing CN III, IV, and VI, you ask a patient to follow your finger in an 'H' pattern. A patient cannot abduct the left eye. Which nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Left CN VI

Answer

CN VI (abducens) controls lateral rectus muscle; its palsy prevents ipsilateral eye abduction, causing medial deviation (esotropia).

Question 3

A patient scores 2 on the GCS eye-opening subscale. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Eyes open to pain only

Answer

GCS eye-opening score of 2 indicates eyes open only to painful stimuli; 1 = none, 3 = to voice, 4 = spontaneous.

Question 4

In assessing gait during a neurological OSCE, which gait pattern is characterised by circumduction of the leg with a stiff, extended knee?

Accepted Answer

Hemiplegic (spastic) gait

Answer

Hemiplegic (spastic) gait involves circumduction of the affected stiff, extended leg due to increased tone from an upper motor neuron lesion.

Question 5

When assessing the gag reflex, the afferent limb is carried by which cranial nerve?

Accepted Answer

CN IX

Answer

The afferent limb of the gag reflex is CN IX (glossopharyngeal), while the efferent limb is CN X (vagus).

OSCE Practice Test

OSCE Practice Test

OSCE OSCE Neurological Assessment 3