AngloTec Nursing
Free OSCE Tools
OSCE Complete Guide

OSCE Physical Examination Stations: Guide & Checklist

Master the most common OSCE physical examination stations with systematic approaches, detailed checklists, and expert tips for passing your nursing OSCE.

Practise with AI View Common Stations

Table of Contents

1. Understanding OSCE Stations 2. Universal Approach Framework 3. The OSCE Introduction 4. Common Examination Stations 5. Vital Signs Assessment 6. Abdominal Examination 7. Respiratory Examination 8. Cardiovascular Examination 9. Neurological Assessment 10. Wound Assessment 11. Top Tips for Passing 12. Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding OSCE Physical Examination Stations

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a practical assessment used by nursing regulators worldwide, including the UK's Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), to evaluate whether internationally trained nurses can safely and competently perform clinical skills.

Physical examination stations test your ability to perform systematic assessments, identify abnormalities, and document findings accurately. These stations typically last 15-20 minutes and are observed by an examiner who scores your performance against specific criteria.

The key to success is having a systematic, repeatable approach that you can perform under pressure. Examiners are not just assessing your technical skills; they are evaluating your communication, infection control practices, documentation, and professional conduct throughout the station.

What Examiners Assess

Universal Approach Framework

Every physical examination station should follow this general framework. Memorise it and apply it consistently:

Step 1: Hand Hygiene & PPE

Perform hand hygiene before touching the patient. Use appropriate PPE (gloves, apron) based on the examination type.

Step 2: Introduction & Consent

Introduce yourself (name, role). Confirm patient identity. Explain what you'll do and why. Gain verbal consent.

Step 3: Exposure & Privacy

Ensure appropriate exposure for examination while maintaining dignity. Offer a blanket or sheet for coverage.

Step 4: Systematic Examination

Perform the examination using the correct technique. Work from head to toe or follow the specific system approach.

Step 5: Re-cover & Comfort

Help the patient get comfortable. Cover them appropriately. Thank them.

Step 6: Hand Hygiene & Documentation

Remove PPE and perform hand hygiene. Document findings accurately on the provided chart.

The OSCE Introduction Script

A confident, clear introduction sets a positive tone. Practise this script until it becomes automatic:

"Hello, my name is [Name], and I'm a registered nurse. Can I confirm your full name and date of birth, please? Thank you.

I'm going to perform a [name of examination] on you today. This will involve [brief explanation of what you'll do]. The examination should take approximately [X] minutes. I'll explain everything as I go along, and please let me know if you experience any discomfort at any point.

Is that okay? Do you have any questions before I begin?"

Common Examination Stations

Below are the most frequently tested physical examination stations in nursing OSCEs, with detailed checklists for each.

Vital Signs Assessment

Vital signs is the most commonly tested OSCE station. You will be expected to accurately measure and record blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation.

Complete Checklist

☐ Perform hand hygiene
☐ Introduce self and check identity
☐ Explain procedure and gain consent
☐ Ensure patient is rested (5 min sitting)
☐ Blood Pressure: Correct cuff size, arm at heart level, palpate brachial pulse first, inflate 20-30mmHg above, deflate 2-3mmHg/sec, record systolic/diastolic
☐ Pulse: Radial pulse, count for 60 seconds, note rate, rhythm, volume, character
☐ Respiratory Rate: Count for 60 seconds (observe chest movement), note rate, rhythm, depth, effort
☐ Temperature: Appropriate device (tympanic/oral/axillary), correct technique, record in Celsius
☐ Oxygen Saturation: Correct probe placement, wait for stable reading, note percentage
☐ Pain score (0-10 scale)
☐ Document all findings accurately
☐ Hand hygiene and dispose of equipment
☐ Report any abnormal findings appropriately
☐ Thank the patient
Normal Ranges: BP: 90-140/60-90 mmHg | Pulse: 60-100 bpm | RR: 12-20 breaths/min | Temp: 36.1-37.2°C | SpO2: ≥95% on room air

Abdominal Examination

Complete Checklist

☐ Hand hygiene and PPE (gloves + apron)
☐ Introduction, identity check, consent
☐ Position patient supine with pillow under head, knees slightly bent
☐ Expose abdomen (nipple to knee), maintain dignity
☐ Inspection: Shape, scars, distension, visible peristalsis, skin changes, hernias, stoma
☐ Auscultation: Bowel sounds in all 4 quadrants for 1-2 minutes (listen BEFORE palpation)
☐ Palpation: Light palpation first, then deep palpation. Systematic: RLQ, RUQ, LUQ, LLQ. Check for tenderness, guarding, rebound, masses
☐ Special tests: Murphy's sign (RUQ), McBurney's point (RLQ), Murphy's kidney punch (flanks)
☐ Percussion: All 4 quadrants, note tympanic/dull sounds
☐ Check for shifting dullness if ascites suspected
☐ Palpate liver edge and spleen
☐ Auscultate renal arteries (flanks)
☐ Cover patient, ensure comfort
☐ Remove PPE, hand hygiene
☐ Document findings
Remember: Always auscultate BEFORE palpation. Palpation can alter bowel sounds.

Respiratory Examination

Complete Checklist

☐ Hand hygiene, PPE if indicated
☐ Introduction, identity check, consent
☐ Position patient sitting at 45 degrees
☐ Expose chest fully (maintain dignity)
☐ General inspection: Colour (cyanosis, pallor), respiratory rate, effort (use of accessory muscles), posture, clubbing, peripheral oedema, level of consciousness
☐ Inspect chest: Symmetry, deformities, scars, barrel chest, intercostal recession
☐ Palpation: Tracheal position (should be central), chest expansion (symmetry), tactile vocal fremitus
☐ Percussion: Systematic - compare left to right, note resonance (resonant, dull, hyper-resonant, stony dull)
☐ Auscultation: Systematic comparison. Note breath sounds (vesicular, bronchial, diminished, absent), added sounds (crackles, wheeze, pleural rub), vocal resonance
☐ Check oxygen saturation
☐ Cover patient
☐ Hand hygiene, documentation
Key Sounds: Crackles = fluid/consolidation | Wheeze = bronchospasm | Pleural rub = pleural inflammation | Stridor = upper airway obstruction

Cardiovascular Examination

Complete Checklist

☐ Hand hygiene, introduction, consent
☐ Position patient supine at 45 degrees
☐ Expose chest (maintain dignity)
☐ General inspection: Colour, dyspnoea, oedema, distress, body position
☐ Hands: Temperature, capillary refill (<2 sec), clubbing, peripheral cyanosis, xanthomela
☐ Pulse: Rate, rhythm, character (radial and brachial)
☐ Blood pressure: Both arms if first examination
☐ JVP: Check jugular venous pressure (patient at 45°)
☐ Face: Pallor, cyanosis, xanthelasma, corneal arcus
☐ Precordium inspection: Scars, deformities, visible pulsations
☐ Palpation: Apex beat (location, character), heaves, thrills
☐ Auscultation: All 4 valve areas with diaphragm, then mitral area with bell. Note rate, rhythm, S1/S2, added sounds, murmurs
☐ Check for peripheral oedema (ankles/sacrum)
☐ Auscultate lung bases for pulmonary oedema
☐ Cover patient, hand hygiene, document

Neurological Assessment

Complete Checklist

☐ Hand hygiene, introduction, consent
☐ Level of consciousness: AVPU (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive) or GCS
☐ Orientation: Person, place, time, situation
☐ Speech: Clarity, fluency, comprehension, naming objects
☐ Cranial nerves (selected): Pupillary response (CN II, III), eye movements (CN III, IV, VI), facial symmetry (CN VII), hearing (CN VIII), swallow (CN IX, X), tongue movement (CN XII)
☐ Motor function: Tone (passive movement), power (0-5 scale), drift test
☐ Coordination: Finger-to-nose, heel-to-shin, rapid alternating movements
☐ Sensation: Light touch, pinprick, vibration, proprioception (if indicated)
☐ Reflexes: Biceps, triceps, supinator, knee, ankle
☐ Gait: Observe walking, heel-to-toe, Romberg test
☐ Document all findings

Wound Assessment

Complete Checklist (TIME Framework)

☐ Hand hygiene, appropriate PPE (gloves + apron + mask if indicated)
☐ Introduction, identity check, consent
☐ Position patient comfortably, ensure privacy
☐ T - Tissue: Assess viable vs non-viable tissue. Colour (red=granulating, yellow=slough, black=eschar, pink=epithelialising). Presence of necrosis.
☐ I - Infection/Inflammation: Signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling, purulent exudate, odour, increased pain, pyrexia). Surrounding skin condition.
☐ M - Moisture: Exudate level (none, low, moderate, high), type (serous, sanguineous, serosanguineous, purulent), odour.
☐ E - Edge: Wound edges (attached, undermining, rolled, calloused), wound size (measure length x width x depth in cm), tunneling/tracking.
☐ Photograph wound if unit protocol permits
☐ Document using TIME framework
☐ Report abnormal findings to relevant team member
☐ Dispose of waste appropriately, hand hygiene
Remember: Always compare with previous assessments. Note if the wound is improving, deteriorating, or static.

Top Tips for Passing Physical Examination Stations

1. Practise aloud

Say everything you do out loud. The examiner can only score what they observe and hear. Verbalise your findings.

2. Be systematic

Never skip steps in your examination sequence. A systematic approach ensures nothing is missed and demonstrates competence.

3. Always gain consent

Verbal consent is essential before every examination. Explain what you're doing and why, especially before sensitive examinations.

4. Maintain dignity

Expose only what is necessary, cover the patient between steps, close curtains/doors, and be mindful of cultural sensitivities.

5. Document clearly

Use the documentation format provided. Be specific with measurements. Record both normal and abnormal findings.

6. Stay calm

If you make a mistake, acknowledge it and correct it calmly. Panicking will affect your performance more than the original error.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have for each station?

Most physical examination stations are 15-20 minutes. Check your specific test centre's guidelines as timing can vary slightly between countries.

What if I forget part of the examination?

If you remember a missed step, go back and do it calmly. Say something like "I'd also like to check..." Partial credit is given for most stations, so completing the majority well is better than panicking.

Do I need to verbalise normal findings?

Yes. Say "The chest appears symmetrical with no deformities" rather than staying silent. The examiner needs to hear your assessment to award marks.

What PPE do I need?

At minimum: hand hygiene for every station. Gloves for any contact with bodily fluids, wounds, or mucous membranes. Aprons when there is risk of splash/contamination.

Can I ask the examiner questions during the station?

Generally, no. The examiner observes silently. If equipment is missing, you may ask, but don't ask for clinical information or guidance.

How should I document findings?

Use the chart or form provided. Be specific with numbers (BP 142/88, not "high"). Use correct terminology. Sign and date your documentation.

Ready for Your OSCE?

Practise OSCE stations with our AI tool. Get feedback on your technique, communication, and documentation.

Start OSCE Practice