MBBS OSCE · General Medicine
OSCE — Measles (Rubeola)
Eight-minute OSCE station on Measles (Rubeola): focused history, examination priorities, investigations, emergency and definitive management.
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Brief (to candidate)
You will assess a patient with a presentation consistent with Measles (Rubeola).
You have 8 minutes to take a focused history, outline examination, investigations, and management including red flags.
Clinical context
Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable acute viral exanthem caused by the measles morbillivirus (Paramyxoviridae), transmitted by respiratory droplets and airborne aerosols. After a 10 to 14 day incubation, a prodrome of high fever with the '3 Cs' (cough, coryza, conjunctivitis) and the pathognomonic Koplik spots (blue-white grains on the buccal mucosa) precedes a maculopapular rash that spreads head to toe. With a basic reproduction number (R0) of 12 to 18 it is one of the most infectious human pathogens; herd immunity needs about 95 percent coverage. Complications are common and severe — otitis media, pneumonia (the commonest cause of death), diarrhoea, keratitis/bli
Candidate tasks
- Clarify onset, severity, associated features, and red-flag symptoms.
- State focused examination priorities.
- List first-line investigations and any named score/criteria.
- Give immediate resuscitation steps.
- Outline definitive management with doses/routes where standard.
- Name complications and disposition (ward / HDU / theatre / discharge safety-net).
- Mention one special-population modifier (pregnancy, child, elderly, CKD).
Examiner checklist
| Domain | Pass behaviours |
|---|---|
| Definition | Correct working diagnosis language |
| Assessment | Focused, prioritised, red flags sought |
| Investigations | Appropriate first-line + interpretation |
| Emergency care | ABC / time-critical actions first |
| Definitive care | Specific drugs/procedures, not generic phrases |
| Safety | Fever with the 3 Cs (cough, coryza, conjunctivitis) and Koplik spots before the |
| Safety | Koplik spots (blue-white grains of salt on bright-red buccal mucosa opposite the |
| Safety | Measles pneumonia with hypoxia, or secondary bacterial pneumonia - the commonest |
| Communication | Clear plan and safety-netting |
Model outline
Lead with the working diagnosis and life threats. Resuscitate before definitive tests when unstable. Use guideline-standard therapy with named agents and doses. Document escalation criteria and follow-up. A safe candidate is specific, structured, and never delays critical care for non-urgent imaging.