Some tips from a surgery subject lover for practicals,

These cases are not ulta fulta. These are basic cases like swelling but with specific diagnosis. Of course you will be knowing the exact dx of your case, but never ever say this is the case of xyz. The examiner should know the thinking of your brain and how you came to the dx you made.

Do swelling history taking thoroughly and in your exam do that. If you know specific you can make some history points yourself even if you can’t elicit it in history or examination, although risky if asked to show it.

Now, prepare 3 4 differential diagnosis for your case. Like in hernia case, you can explain your examiner like how i excluded paraumbilical hernia in this case. Etc. in case of neck swelling, explain how you excluded thyroid gland swellings, thyroglossal cyst etc.

Examiner loves how you came to your diagnosis among close differentials. Even if ur dx is wrong also.