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 9 — Ear Examination: History, Otoscopy and Examination Under Microscope

Rapid Revision • Practical Skills • Viva

4th Year • EYE

🎯 Candidate Task

Take a focused history from a patient presenting with ear discharge, hearing difficulty or dizziness, then demonstrate systematic local examination of the ear and safe otoscopy. State the important structures/findings you would assess and explain the basic role of examination under microscope (EUM) and how you may assist.

⚡ Model Station Answer

  • I would take a focused history of the presenting ear symptom, associated otological symptoms and relevant red flags.
  • I would inspect the pinna, surrounding skin, pre- and post-auricular areas and external auditory opening before performing otoscopy.
  • During otoscopy I would examine the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane systematically for normal landmarks and common abnormalities.
  • EUM provides a magnified, well-illuminated binocular view of the ear canal and tympanic membrane; I may assist with patient positioning, equipment preparation and instruments under supervision.

🔎 How to Perform / Approach

1. Introduce and prepare: Wash hands, introduce yourself, confirm the patient, explain the examination, obtain consent and ask about current ear pain.

  1. 2. Take a focused history: For discharge ask onset, duration, amount, colour, smell, blood, pain and fever; for hearing difficulty ask onset, side, progression and tinnitus; for dizziness clarify true vertigo, duration, triggers, nausea and associated hearing symptoms.
  2. 3. Check relevant background: Ask briefly about previous ear infections, trauma or surgery, water exposure, significant medication history and important symptoms such as facial weakness or neurological complaints.
  3. 4. Inspect the ear: Compare both pinnae and inspect the skin, deformity, scars, swelling, discharge, external auditory opening and pre- and post-auricular regions. Examine the less painful or apparently normal ear first where appropriate.
  4. 5. Prepare the otoscope: Check the light and fit a clean appropriately sized speculum. In an adult, gently pull the pinna upwards and backwards to straighten the external auditory canal.
  5. 6. Perform safe otoscopy: Hold the otoscope like a pen in the hand corresponding to the ear being examined, brace the hand against the patient’s cheek, and advance gently under direct vision. Inspect the canal for wax, discharge, swelling or lesions, then assess the tympanic membrane for integrity, colour, position and visible landmarks.
  6. 7. Explain EUM: Examination under microscope gives magnified binocular illumination for detailed assessment of the canal and tympanic membrane and may facilitate precise cleaning or instrumentation. As a student, assist with positioning, preparation and passing equipment while the procedure is performed under appropriate supervision.
Exam point: Never push the otoscope blindly. Maintain visual control and brace your examining hand against the patient’s head to reduce the risk of canal or tympanic-membrane injury if the patient suddenly moves.

🖼️ Visual Learning

VISUAL 1

Systematic Ear Examination, Otoscopy and Examination Under Microscope

 

🎥 Practical Demonstration

Otoscopy (Ear Examination) — Oxford Medical Education

A practical demonstration produced by Oxford University medical students with ENT faculty, showing correct otoscope handling, examination technique and tympanic-membrane anatomy.

▶ Watch Practical Otoscopy Demonstration

 

📝 Important Viva Questions

1. How do you straighten the external auditory canal during otoscopy in an adult?

Answer: Gently pull the pinna upwards and backwards before inserting the otoscope.

2. Why should the hand holding the otoscope be braced against the patient’s head?

Answer: Bracing stabilizes the instrument and reduces the risk of trauma if the patient suddenly moves.

3. Which two main structures are assessed during otoscopy?

Answer: The external auditory canal and the tympanic membrane.

4. Name important normal landmarks visible on the tympanic membrane.

Answer: Important landmarks include the handle of the malleus, umbo and cone of light on an intact translucent tympanic membrane.

5. What is the main advantage of examination under microscope compared with routine otoscopy?

Answer: EUM provides a magnified, well-illuminated binocular view of the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane, allowing more detailed examination and precise instrumentation when required.

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