OSCE'S

Question 1

what is nail clubbing?

Answer 1

• symptom of disease, often of the heart or lungs which cause chronically low blood levels of oxygen
• disease which cause malabsorption such as cystic fibrosis or celiac disease can also cause clubbing

Question 2

what is palmer erythema?

Answer 2

• redness of palms
• common first sign of disease
• most commonly found as a sign of liver disease

Question 3

what is dupuytren’s contracture?

Answer 3

• abnormal thickening of tissues in the palm of the hand
• the thickened tissues may develop into a lump, which can cause the finger to curl inwards (contract)
• exact cause is unknown; linked to family history of condition

Question 4

what is asterixis?

Answer 4

• neurological disorder which causes tremors in the hands and arms when they are outstretched
• mostly due to faulty metabolic encephalopathies

Question 5

what is koilonychia?

Answer 5

• spoon nails
• sign of iron deficiency (anaemia)

Question 6

what is leukonychia?

Answer 6

• white discolouration of the nails
• caused by physical damage