OSCE Part B script and procedure

What questions should I ask before conducting otoscopy?

• Are you experiencing any ear pain?

• Have you noticed any discharge from your ears?

• Have you experienced dizziness?

• Do you experience tinnitus (ringing or buzzing)?

• Have you had any previous ear surgery?

How do I prepare the client for otoscopy?

• Ask case history questions.

• Inspect the pinna and external ear canal for contraindications.

• Explain the procedure: "I'm going to use a small light to look inside your ear canal and at your eardrum."

• Explain the purpose: Check for wax, blockages or abnormalities.

• Gain consent.

• Position client comfortably with head stable.

How do I prepare myself for otoscopy?

• Wash and sanitise hands.

• Check otoscope light is working.

• Choose the correct-sized, clean speculum.

• Attach speculum securely.

• Position yourself with a stable stance.

What are the steps for conducting otoscopy?

• Pull pinna upwards and backwards (adult).

• Hold otoscope securely and brace hand against client's head.

• Gently insert otoscope into ear canal.

• Inspect external ear canal and tympanic membrane.

• Gently remove otoscope.

• Repeat for other ear using clean speculum

What do I look for during otoscopy?

• Ear canal: Wax, redness, swelling, discharge or blockages.

• Tympanic membrane: Colour, position and integrity.

• Landmarks: Malleus and cone of light.

• Abnormalities: Bulging, retraction or perforation.

How do I complete otoscopy?

• Gently remove otoscope.

• Remove and dispose of used speculum.

• Sanitise hands.

• Document findings for both ears.

• Explain results to client

How do I prepare the client for tympanometry?

• Review case history: Pain, discharge, dizziness, tinnitus and previous surgery.

• Review otoscopy findings for contraindications.

• Explain procedure: "I'm going to place a soft tip in your ear to measure how well your eardrum moves."

• Explain that they may hear a sound and feel pressure.

• Gain consent.

• Ask client to sit comfortably with head stable.

• Instruct client to avoid talking, swallowing or moving during the test.

How do I prepare myself for tympanometry?

• Wash and sanitise hands.

• Turn on tympanometer.

• Select appropriately sized, clean probe tip.

• Attach probe tip securely.

• Position yourself with a stable stance.

What are the steps for conducting tympanometry?

• Pull pinna upwards and backwards (adult).

• Gently insert probe into ear canal.

• Ensure an airtight seal.

• Ask client to remain still and quiet.

• Initiate measurement of middle ear function.

• Gently remove probe.

• Repeat for other ear using clean probe tip.

How do I complete tympanometry?

• Gently remove probe.

• Remove and dispose of used probe tip.

• Sanitise hands.

• Document results for both ears.

• Explain findings to client.