PLAB 2 Cheat Sheet 2026

The 10 highest-yield PLAB 2 facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. You are performing an abdominal examination and find hepatomegaly with a pulsatile liver. What is the most likely underlying cardiac condition? → Tricuspid regurgitation
2. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for Health and Welfare is activated. When does this LPA take effect? → Only when the person (donor) loses capacity to make the specific decision in question
3. A patient presents to a PLAB 2 station with symptoms of depression. Which validated screening tool should you use to assess severity? → PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9)
4. A patient presents with chest pain. Using the SOCRATES framework, which aspect of the pain does 'R' represent? → Radiation — where does the pain spread to?
5. During a medical emergency, a patient has anaphylaxis following an antibiotic injection. What is the first-line treatment and route of administration? → IM adrenaline 0.5mg (1:1000) into the anterolateral thigh
6. What does the ICE framework stand for in patient-centred consulting? → Ideas, Concerns, and Expectations
7. Which framework is commonly used for breaking bad news in UK clinical practice? → SPIKES: Setting, Perception, Invitation, Knowledge, Emotions/Empathy, Strategy/Summary
8. During an abdominal examination station, you identify shifting dullness. What does this sign indicate? → Ascites — free fluid in the peritoneal cavity
9. During abdominal examination, what is the correct sequence? → Inspection, auscultation, light palpation, deep palpation, percussion, then special tests
10. In the Calgary-Cambridge model of consultation, which phase involves establishing why the patient has come to see you today? → Initiating the session