OSCE Procedural Skills 5

Question 1

A patient requires intermittent self-catheterization. Which catheter type is most appropriate for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

Nelaton (straight-tip) catheter

Answer

The Nelaton catheter is a simple straight-tip catheter designed for intermittent use without an inflatable balloon.

Question 2

During a blood transfusion, the patient develops fever, rigors, and back pain 15 minutes after commencement. What is the immediate first action?

Accepted Answer

Stop the transfusion immediately and maintain IV access with normal saline

Answer

Stopping the transfusion immediately is the first priority to prevent worsening of a potentially life-threatening hemolytic reaction.

Question 3

When performing a digital rectal examination (DRE), a normal prostate in a young adult should feel:

Accepted Answer

Firm and rubbery with a central sulcus

Answer

A normal prostate is smooth, firm, and rubbery with a palpable midline groove (central sulcus) separating the two lobes.

Question 4

When using a defibrillator in synchronised cardioversion mode, why must the shock be synchronised with the QRS complex?

Accepted Answer

To avoid delivering the shock during the vulnerable T-wave period and inducing ventricular fibrillation

Answer

Delivering a shock during the T-wave's relative refractory period can trigger ventricular fibrillation, so synchronisation to the R-wave is essential.

Question 5

A patient needs a suprapubic catheter. What is the most important preparatory step before insertion?

Accepted Answer

Confirm the bladder is distended (filled with at least 300–400 mL of urine) using ultrasound

Answer

A distended bladder displaces the peritoneum superiorly, reducing the risk of bowel injury during suprapubic insertion.

OSCE Practice Test

OSCE Practice Test

OSCE Procedural Skills 5