Normal growth from fetal life through adolescence — OSCE

Objectives

1. Confirm measurement and chart quality before interpretation. [1]
2. Interpret absolute position, velocity and mid-parental context. [3]
3. Explain ICP-phase physiology in plain registrar language. [4]
4. Counsel without blame and set a clear follow-up plan. [5]

Candidate brief

You have 12 minutes. The station provides a growth chart for an 8-year-old girl whose parents are worried she is short. Demonstrate how you would check technique (describe if no live measurement), interpret the plot, and explain the findings to the caregiver. [1]

Expected actions

• State that you would re-measure height and weight with correct technique. [1]
• Name the chart type (standard vs reference) and age/sex match. [1] [2]
• Comment on centile position and whether the channel is parallel or falling. [3]
• Ask parental heights and relate to genetic potential. [3]
• Screen red flags: systemic symptoms, poor velocity, disproportion, social concern. [3] [5]
• Explain findings with teach-back; agree review timing and safety-net advice. [1]

Marking grid

Common fails

• Diagnosing disease from one low point.
• Using adult BMI cut-offs or the wrong age chart.
• Ignoring parental heights.
• Stigmatising language. [1] [3]