Course Content
OSCE Station 1 — Sore Throat: Focused History, Examination and Initial Management
KMU clinical activities: History Taking • Examination of Sore Throat Patient • Conservative Management of Sore Throat Learning Objectives The student should be able to: • Obtain a focused history from a patient presenting with sore throat. • Perform relevant general physical examination. • Perform systematic local examination of the throat. • Perform relevant systemic examination. • Identify important clinical findings in a patient with sore throat. • Discuss a conservative management plan for acute follicular tonsillitis.
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Topic: OSCE Station 1 — Sore Throat: Focused History, Examination and Initial Management
OSCE Station 2 — Oral Cavity, Oropharynx, Nasopharynx and Hypopharynx Examination
KMU clinical activities: Nasopharyngeal Examination • Oral Cavity and Oropharynx Examination • Hypopharyngeal Examination • Oral/Oropharyngeal Mass Palpation • Biopsy from Oral Ulcer Learning Objectives The student should be able to: • Examine the oral cavity systematically. • Examine the oropharynx systematically. • Perform mirror examination of the nasopharynx. • Perform indirect hypopharyngoscopy using a mirror. • Demonstrate the method of palpating a mass in the oral cavity or oropharynx. • Describe the basic steps involved in assisting with biopsy of a tongue/oral ulcer. • Identify important abnormal findings during examination of the upper aerodigestive tract.
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Topic: OSCE Station 2 — Oral Cavity, Oropharynx, Nasopharynx and Hypopharynx Examination
OSCE Station 3 — Tonsillectomy: Consent, Instruments and Theatre Skills
KMU clinical activities: Mouth Gag and Tonsillectomy Instruments • Tonsillar Surgery • Tonsillectomy Consent • Scrubbing Technique Learning Objectives The student should be able to: • Identify and assemble the mouth gag used for tonsillectomy. • Identify common tonsillectomy instruments. • State the use of each instrument. • Recognize the important procedural steps of tonsillectomy. • Obtain appropriate pre-operative informed consent for tonsillectomy. • Explain the procedure, expected benefits and relevant patient information during consent. • Demonstrate correct surgical hand-scrubbing technique. • Use an appropriate scrubbing solution, sequence and duration.
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Topic: OSCE Station 3 — Tonsillectomy: Consent, Instruments and Theatre Skills
OSCE Station 4 — Dysphagia: Rigid Endoscopy System and Oesophagoscopy
KMU clinical activities: Rigid Endoscopy System • Oesophagoscopy Learning Objectives The student should be able to: • Identify the main instruments and equipment used in a rigid endoscopy system. • Describe the basic types and purposes of rigid endoscopy. • Identify a rigid oesophagoscope and associated equipment. • Describe the basic steps of rigid oesophagoscopy. • Explain its use in patients presenting with dysphagia or pharyngeal growth. • Recognize the important safety principles associated with rigid oesophagoscopy.
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Topic: OSCE Station 4 — Dysphagia: Rigid Endoscopy System and Oesophagoscopy
OSCE Station 5 — Hoarseness and Stridor: Focused History and Clinical Examination
KMU clinical activities: History Taking • Examination in Hoarseness and Stridor • Examination of Neck Learning Objectives The student should be able to: • Obtain a focused history of hoarseness. • Obtain a focused history of stridor. • Perform relevant general physical examination. • Perform appropriate local ENT examination. • Perform relevant systemic examination. • Perform a systematic examination of the neck. • Identify clinical features that require further laryngeal assessment.
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Topic: OSCE Station 5 — Hoarseness and Stridor: Focused History and Clinical Examination
OSCE Station 6 — Laryngeal Examination: Indirect, Video and Rigid Laryngoscopy
KMU clinical activities: Indirect Laryngoscopy • Investigations of Laryngeal Disease • Video Laryngoscopy • Rigid Laryngoscopy • Biopsy from Laryngeal Growth Learning Objectives The student should be able to: • Perform indirect mirror examination of the laryngopharynx. • Demonstrate correct patient and examiner positioning for indirect laryngoscopy. • Identify important structures seen during laryngeal examination. • Select appropriate investigations for laryngeal disease. • Complete or explain an appropriate investigation requisition. • Recognize the role of video laryngoscopy in a patient with hoarseness. • Identify important findings on a laryngoscopic image or video. • Identify the instruments used in rigid laryngoscopy under general anaesthesia. • Describe the basic procedure of rigid laryngoscopy. • Describe the basic steps involved in obtaining a biopsy from a laryngeal growth.
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Topic: OSCE Station 6 — Laryngeal Examination: Indirect, Video and Rigid Laryngoscopy
OSCE Station 7 — Voice Disorders and Laryngeal Patient Counselling
KMU clinical activities: Conservative Management of Hoarseness • Voice-Rest Counselling • Bilateral Abductor Vocal-Cord Paralysis Counselling • Laryngectomy Consent Learning Objectives The student should be able to: • Discuss conservative management of hoarseness due to voice abuse. • Counsel a patient regarding appropriate voice rest. • Explain practical measures for reducing further vocal strain. • Counsel a patient with bilateral abductor vocal-cord paralysis following thyroidectomy. • Discuss the relevant management principles for bilateral vocal-cord paralysis. • Communicate clearly and empathetically with a patient facing major laryngeal treatment. • Obtain appropriate informed consent for total laryngectomy.
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Topic: OSCE Station 7 — Voice Disorders and Laryngeal Patient Counselling
OSCE Station 8 — Tracheostomy and Emergency Airway Procedure
KMU clinical activity: Tracheostomy Learning Objectives The student should be able to: • Identify the important anatomical landmarks relevant to tracheostomy. • Identify essential instruments and equipment used for tracheostomy. • Demonstrate or describe the sequence of the tracheostomy procedure. • Explain appropriate positioning of the patient. • Describe the principle of establishing a surgical airway. • Recognize important immediate precautions during and after tracheostomy.
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Topic: OSCE Station 8 — Tracheostomy and Emergency Airway Procedure
OSCE Station 9 — Ear Examination: History, Otoscopy and Examination Under Microscope
KMU clinical activities: Ear History Taking • Local Examination • Otoscopy • Examination Under Microscope Learning Objectives The student should be able to: • Obtain a focused history from a patient with ear discharge, deafness or dizziness. • Perform systematic local examination of the ear. • Demonstrate correct handling of an otoscope. • Perform an otoscopic examination safely. • Identify the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane. • Recognize common abnormal otoscopic findings. • Explain the basic role of examination under microscope (EUM). • Describe how the student may assist during EUM.
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Topic: OSCE Station 9 — Ear Examination: History, Otoscopy and Examination Under Microscope
OSCE Station 10 — Hearing and Balance Assessment: Tuning Forks, Vestibular Tests and Audiology
KMU clinical activities: Tuning-Fork Tests • Balance Testing • Ear Investigations • Audiogram and Impedance Interpretation Learning Objectives The student should be able to: • Perform appropriate tuning-fork tests. • Demonstrate the correct technique of the Rinne test. • Demonstrate the correct technique of the Weber test. • Interpret common tuning-fork test patterns. • Perform appropriate clinical tests of balance. • Differentiate clinical findings suggesting peripheral versus central balance dysfunction. • Select appropriate investigations for common ear diseases. • Complete an appropriate investigation requisition. • Interpret a basic pure-tone audiogram. • Interpret basic impedance/tympanometry findings.
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Topic: OSCE Station 10 — Hearing and Balance Assessment: Tuning Forks, Vestibular Tests and Audiology
OSCE Station 11 — Nasal Obstruction: History, Nose and PNS Examination and Adenoid Assessment
KMU clinical activities: History Taking • Local Examination • Nasal Patency and Adenoid Facies Learning Objectives The student should be able to: • Obtain a focused history from a patient with nasal obstruction. • Perform systematic external examination of the nose. • Perform relevant clinical examination of the paranasal sinus region. • Assess nasal patency. • Compare airflow through both nasal cavities. • Recognize clinical features of adenoid facies. • Examine nasal patency in a patient with suspected enlarged adenoids.
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Topic: OSCE Station 11 — Nasal Obstruction: History, Nose and PNS Examination and Adenoid Assessment
OSCE Station 12 — Rhinoscopy and Nasal Procedures: Probe Test, Nasendoscopy and Nasal Swab
KMU clinical activities: Anterior Rhinoscopy • Posterior Rhinoscopy • Probe Test • Nasendoscopy • Pus Culture/Sensitivity Learning Objectives The student should be able to: • Perform anterior rhinoscopy systematically. • Demonstrate the technique of posterior rhinoscopy using a mirror. • Identify important structures visualized during rhinoscopy. • Perform or describe the probe test. • Explain the basic principles of nasendoscopy. • Describe how to assist during nasendoscopy. • Demonstrate the correct method of obtaining a nasal swab. • Explain appropriate specimen handling for culture and sensitivity.
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Topic: OSCE Station 12 — Rhinoscopy and Nasal Procedures: Probe Test, Nasendoscopy and Nasal Swab
OSCE Station 13 — Nose and Paranasal Sinus Imaging and Investigations
KMU clinical activities: X-Ray Nasopharynx/PNS • CT Nose and Nasopharynx • Investigation Requisition Learning Objectives The student should be able to: • Interpret a basic X-ray of the nasopharynx/PNS. • Identify an enlarged soft-tissue shadow associated with enlarged adenoids. • Approach a CT scan of the nose and nasopharynx systematically. • Recognize CT findings associated with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. • Identify and explain the bowing sign. • Select appropriate investigations for diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses. • Complete an appropriate investigation requisition form.
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Topic: OSCE Station 13 — Nose and Paranasal Sinus Imaging and Investigations
OSCE Station 14 — Adenoid and Nasopharyngeal Procedures
KMU clinical activities: Adenoid Surgery • Nasopharyngeal Biopsy Learning Objectives The student should be able to: • Identify the basic setup used for adenoid surgery. • Describe the major procedural steps of adenoidectomy as observed in theatre. • Identify important instruments used during adenoid surgery. • Describe the basic principles of obtaining a nasopharyngeal biopsy. • Identify the purpose of nasopharyngeal biopsy. • Recognize key safety considerations during procedures involving the nasopharynx.
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Topic: OSCE Station 14 — Adenoid and Nasopharyngeal Procedures
OSCE Station 15 — Neck Examination: Lymph Nodes, Neck Lump, Thyroid and Parotid
KMU clinical activities: Examination of Neck • Examination of Neck Nodes • Neck Lump Examination • Thyroid Examination • Parotid Examination Learning Objectives The student should be able to: • Perform a systematic examination of the neck. • Examine the major groups of cervical lymph nodes. • Describe the location of the major cervical nodal groups. • Perform systematic examination of a neck lump. • Assess the site, size, surface, consistency, mobility and associated features of a neck swelling. • Perform examination of the thyroid gland. • Assess thyroid enlargement anatomically. • Perform relevant functional assessment of the thyroid as required by the station. • Perform systematic examination of a parotid swelling. • Identify clinical features that help characterize a salivary-gland swelling.
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Topic: OSCE Station 15 — Neck Examination: Lymph Nodes, Neck Lump, Thyroid and Parotid
OSCE Station 16 — Pharyngeal and Peritonsillar Abscess: Drainage and Instruments
KMU clinical activities: Surgery on Pharyngeal Abscess • Pharyngeal Abscess Surgery-Related Instruments Learning Objectives The student should be able to: • Recognize the basic principles of surgical management of a pharyngeal abscess. • Describe the technique of drainage of a peritonsillar abscess. • Identify important instruments used for drainage of a pharyngeal or peritonsillar abscess. • State the use of each relevant instrument. • Describe appropriate patient positioning and preparation for drainage. • Recognize important precautions associated with abscess drainage in the upper airway.
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Topic: OSCE Station 16 — Pharyngeal and Peritonsillar Abscess: Drainage and Instruments
AIM OSPE/OSCE Lab — ENT Module | 4th Year MBBS
AIM OSCE / OSPE • MBBS

Station 5 — Hoarseness and Stridor: Focused History and Clinical Examination

4th Year • Rapid Revision • Practical Skills • Viva

🎯 Candidate Task

Take a focused history from a patient presenting with hoarseness or stridor and perform the relevant general, local ENT, systemic and neck examination. At the end, state any findings that would require further laryngeal assessment.

⚡ Model Station Answer

  • I would establish the onset, duration and progression of the voice or breathing problem and ask about dysphagia, odynophagia, cough, haemoptysis, aspiration, neck swelling, weight loss and relevant smoking or occupational history.
  • I would assess the patient’s general condition, voice, respiratory effort and presence or character of stridor before proceeding with focused ENT and neck examination.
  • I would examine the oral cavity and oropharynx, inspect and palpate the neck systematically, including cervical lymph nodes and relevant laryngeal and thyroid regions, and complete an appropriate respiratory examination.
  • Persistent or progressive hoarseness, stridor, neck nodes or swelling, dysphagia, haemoptysis or other suspicious upper-airway features would prompt further laryngeal assessment.

🔎 How to Perform / Approach

Introduce and assess safety: confirm the patient, obtain consent and first observe whether there is respiratory distress or audible stridor before continuing with a routine station.

    1. Characterize the main symptom: for hoarseness ask about onset, duration, progression, voice use and variability; for stridor ask about onset, progression, triggers and whether it occurs at rest.
    2. Ask associated symptoms: enquire about dysphagia, odynophagia, choking or aspiration, cough, haemoptysis, throat or ear pain, fever, neck swelling and constitutional symptoms.
    3. Cover relevant background: ask about smoking, alcohol where relevant, occupational or vocal exposure, previous intubation or neck surgery, reflux-related symptoms, respiratory disease and relevant medication history.
    4. Perform general and local ENT examination: assess voice quality, respiratory effort and stridor, then inspect the mouth and oropharynx and perform other focused ENT examination where clinically indicated.
    5. Examine the neck systematically: inspect from the front and side, then palpate the laryngeal framework, thyroid region, any swelling and the cervical lymph-node groups, noting site, size, consistency, mobility and tenderness where relevant.
    6. Complete and summarize: perform a focused respiratory and other relevant systemic examination, then summarize the important findings and state whether further visualization of the larynx is required.
Important: Stridor with respiratory distress, cyanosis, inability to speak normally, marked accessory-muscle use or other evidence of significant airway compromise requires immediate airway-focused assessment rather than prolonged routine examination.
Exam focus: Do not finish after listening to the voice. A complete station should connect the symptom to airway assessment → ENT examination → systematic neck examination → need for laryngeal visualization.

🖼️ Visual Learning

VISUAL 1

Clinical Examination in Hoarseness and Stridor

 

🎥 Practical Demonstration

Neck Lump Examination — Geeky Medics
Useful practical revision of systematic neck inspection, cervical lymph-node assessment and examination of neck structures relevant to this station.


Watch Demonstration

📝 Important Viva Questions

1. What is stridor?

Answer: Stridor is a harsh upper-airway sound produced by turbulent airflow through a narrowed airway and should prompt assessment for airway compromise.

2. Which features in a patient with stridor suggest significant airway compromise?

Answer: Respiratory distress, cyanosis, marked accessory-muscle use, inability to speak normally and worsening stridor are important concerning features.

3. Which associated symptoms are particularly important when taking a history of persistent hoarseness?

Answer: Ask especially about dysphagia, odynophagia, aspiration, haemoptysis, referred ear pain, neck swelling and constitutional symptoms.

4. Why must the neck be examined in a patient with persistent hoarseness?

Answer: Neck examination may identify cervical lymphadenopathy, thyroid or other neck masses and abnormalities around the laryngeal framework that may be related to the patient’s symptoms.

5. When should further laryngeal assessment be considered?

Answer: It is required when hoarseness is persistent or progressive or when associated findings such as stridor, neck nodes or swelling, dysphagia, haemoptysis or other suspicious upper-airway features are present.

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