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Hernia Examination – OSCE guide
This guide provides an overview of how to perform a hernia examination in an OSCE setting. It also includes a generic approach to assessing lumps and discusses how to differentiate between direct and...
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Vaginal Swabs – OSCE Guide
Taking vaginal swabs is a common OSCE station. You’ll be expected to competently perform the procedure and demonstrate appropriate communications skills with the patient or mannequin. This guide to...
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Joint fluid interpretation
This guide provides a structured approach to joint fluid interpretation, including typical joint fluid aspiration results for specific disease processes. Reference ranges vary between labs, so always...
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Ascitic Fluid Analysis
What is ascites? Ascites is the accumulation of ascitic fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Many diseases can cause ascites, but the most common is portal hypertension, which is usually due to cirrhosis....
View ArticleDix-Hallpike and Epley Manoeuvres – OSCE guide
The Dix-Hallpike test is a diagnostic manoeuvre used to identify benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The Epley Manoeuvre is used to treat BPPV once it has been diagnosed (by the previously...
View ArticleMirena (IUS) Counselling – OSCE guide
Contraceptive counselling often features in OSCEs and therefore it’s important to be familiar with the various types of contraception available. This article focuses on counselling patients regarding...
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Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
Introduction The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) allows healthcare professionals to consistently evaluate the consciousness level of a patient. It is commonly used in the context of head trauma, but it is...
View ArticlePleural Fluid Interpretation
This guide provides a structured approach to the interpretation of pleural fluid results for specific diseases. Reference ranges vary between labs, so always consult your local medical school or...
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A Beginner’s Guide to Ultrasound
What is Ultrasound? Ultrasound is a common imaging modality that allows visualisation in real time. As such it is becoming increasingly popular on the wards for diagnosis and management purposes....
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Clinical Signs of the Hands
This article covers clinical signs that may be found on the hands during routine clinical examination. The list of clinical signs in this article is by no means exhaustive. Each sign is grouped with...
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Oral Cavity Examination – OSCE Guide
This article provides a guide to performing an examination of the oral cavity in an OSCE setting. Check out our oral cavity examination OSCE mark scheme here. Preparation Ensure you have the correct...
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Parkinson’s Disease Examination – OSCE Guide
This guide discusses how to approach performing a focused examination of a patient with Parkinson’s disease. Check out the Parkinson’s disease examination OSCE mark scheme here. In OSCE scenarios, you...
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Fundoscopic Appearances of Retinal Pathologies
This article aims to provide an overview of the fundoscopic appearances of common retinal pathologies which may be asked to identify in an OSCE scenario. Normal Appearance of the Retina The key parts...
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Chiari Malformations
Background Chiari malformations are a group of conditions characterised by abnormal displacement of the hindbrain (cerebellum, medulla oblongata, pons) into the spinal canal or through a defect in the...
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Muscle Power Assessment (MRC Scale)
The assessment of muscle power is a key part of a neurological examination of the upper or lower limbs. As a result, it is important to familiarise yourself with the Medical Research Council’s scale...
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Interpreting a Coagulation Screen
Introduction The coagulation screen is an important diagnostic test, yet is notorious for misinterpretation. In order to make the coagulation screen easier to interpret, it is important to understand...
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Renal System Examination – OSCE Guide
A renal system examination involves looking for clinical clues and signs related to end-stage renal disease (e.g. fistula, dialysis catheter, renal transplant), renal failure complications (e.g. fluid...
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Paediatric Respiratory Examination – OSCE Guide
Paediatrics is full of respiratory presentations and thus, respiratory examinations. This guide provides an overview of how to perform a paediatric respiratory examination in an OSCE setting. It is...
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Paediatric Abdominal Examination – OSCE Guide
A paediatric abdominal examination is generally performed in one of three major clinical settings – as part of a routine clinical examination, in the assessment of an ‘acute abdomen’ or in cases of...
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Paediatric Cardiovascular Examination – OSCE Guide
The paediatric cardiovascular exam can be a logistical minefield, requiring a good understanding of cardiac anatomy and possible congenital anomalies. With babies especially, it’s important to be...
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