Respiratory OSCE Exam Questions

Question 1

The trachea is

Answer 1

1. Made up of 16-20 incomplete rings f hyaline cartilage
2. approx 10-11cm long
3. a continuation of the larynx and extends to around T5 where it bifucates at the carina into the L and R bronchi

Question 2

The manubrium is

Answer 2

1. roughly tirangular
2. provides articulation for the clavicles, the first costal cartilage, and the upper portion of the secodn costal cartilage (on either side).
3. Situated opposite T3 and T4
4. Between T4-T5 it articulates at an oblique angle at the manubriosternal joint (sternal angle or angle of louis)

Question 3

The sternum is located opposite

Answer 3

T5-T8

Question 4

The xyphoid process is

Answer 4

the smallest part that remains cartilaginous well into adult life

Question 5

The ribs are

Answer 5

1. 12 pairs
2. 7 connected anteriorly to the sternum (via cartilage)
3. 8, 9, and 10 articulate with the cartilage of the rib above (false ribs)
4. 11 & 12 are free anteriorly (floating ribs)

Question 6

The lungs are

Answer 6

1. The apex is 2.5cm above clavicle (anteriorly) and T1 (posteriorly)
2. Lower border = 6th rib mid clav, 8th rib mid ax, T10 anteriorly (at rest)
3. Each lung separted by an oblique (major) fissure that runs from T3 down and around obliquely to the 6th rib mid clav
4. The r lung is further divided by a horizontal (minor) fissure that anteriorly runs from around 4th rib and meets the oblique fissure mid ax near 5th rib.
5. made up of visceral pleura adhered to surface of lung and parietal pleura adhered to the thoracic cavity

Question 7

Upper airway diagram and landmarks

Answer 7

Question 8

Fine crackles = where and why

Answer 8

Smaller/medium airways

1. Pulmonary oedema
2. secretions
3. Atelectasis (partial collapse/ incomplete inflation of lung)
4. Fibrosis

Question 9

Causes of Pulmonary Oedema

Answer 9

1. LVF
2. Circulatory overload - overperfusion (too much fluids)
3. Damage to lung tissue
4. Irritation of linings

Question 10

Asthma vs Bronchitis vs Emphysema

Answer 10

1. Asthma = a respiratory condition marked by attacks of spasm in the bronchi of the lungs causing difficulty in breathing
2. Bronchitis = inflammation of the mucous membrane in the bronchial tubes. It typically causes bronchospasm and coughing.
3. Emphysema = gradually damages the air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs, making you progressively more short of breath