Module 5: Clinical Examination Stations
Module 5 covers how to approach, perform, and communicate in clinical examination stations. The focus is on technique and communication, not clinical diagnosis. Detailed clinical content for each condition is covered in the case modules.
Module Summary
| Lesson | What to Remember |
|---|---|
| 5.1 — How Examinations Work | You examine a healthy actor. No real signs. Examiner hands you findings only for steps you verbalise. Marks come from technique, commentary, interpretation, and plain-language explanation. Bedside tests must be requested out loud. |
| 5.2 — Cardiovascular | Universal opening → IPPA → MTPA auscultation. When given cardiac findings: state what you found, interpret it, propose next steps. Detailed murmur and cardiac condition content is in the clinical case modules. |
| 5.3 — Respiratory | Anterior and posterior, compare both sides. Respiratory pattern table: dull = consolidation/effusion; stony dull = effusion; hyper-resonant = pneumothorax/emphysema. Teach inhaler technique in 8 steps. |
| 5.4 — Abdominal | Light then deep palpation, starting from RIF. Distinguish liver, spleen, kidney by palpation characteristics. Shifting dullness for ascites. Mention PR examination — describe do not perform unless asked. |
| 5.5 — Neurological | UMN vs LMN pattern is the key interpretive framework. Know the 6 gait patterns. Cranial nerve sequence I–XII. Romberg for proprioception vs cerebellar distinction. |
| 5.6 — MSK | GALS first. Knee: Lachman for ACL. Shoulder: painful arc (60–120°) = rotator cuff. Hands: RA (warm, boggy, MCP) vs OA (bony, Heberden/Bouchard nodes). |
| 5.7 — Other Stations | Thyroid: swallowing test, palpate from behind. PVS: Buerger's test, all 4 pulses, diabetic foot. Breast: 3 inspection positions, triple assessment. Ear: Rinne and Weber. Antenatal: SFH + Leopold manoeuvres. |