UCAT Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 2

Question 1

A clinical guideline states: 'All patients with systolic BP above 160 mmHg should be started on antihypertensive medication.' A patient has a reading of 155 mmHg. Which is the correct inference?

Accepted Answer

The patient does not meet the guideline threshold for medication

Answer

The patient should be started on medication

Answer

The patient is healthy

Answer

The guideline does not apply to this patient

Question 2

Which of the following best strengthens the argument that hand hygiene compliance reduces hospital-acquired infections?

Accepted Answer

A randomised controlled trial shows a significant reduction in infections when compliance increases

Answer

Nurses prefer gel dispensers to soap

Answer

Some hospitals already have high compliance rates

Answer

Hand hygiene is taught in medical schools

Question 3

A hospital manager says: 'If we extend opening hours, patient volumes will increase. If volumes increase, revenue will increase.' What conclusion follows logically?

Accepted Answer

If opening hours are extended, revenue will increase

Answer

Revenue will definitely increase this year

Answer

Patients prefer longer opening hours

Answer

Extending hours is always cost-effective

Question 4

A study of 50 volunteers finds that a supplement improves memory scores. A critic says the sample is too small. Which concept does the critic's objection relate to?

Accepted Answer

Statistical power

Answer

Internal validity

Answer

External validity

Answer

Confounding

Question 5

A pharmaceutical company reports that their drug is 'twice as effective' as a placebo. The absolute risk reduction is 2%. The relative risk reduction is 100%. Which figure is more clinically meaningful for individual patients?

Accepted Answer

Absolute risk reduction (2%)

Answer

Relative risk reduction (100%)

Answer

Both are equally meaningful

Answer

Neither is useful

Question 6

Which of the following statements is a value judgement rather than a factual claim?

Accepted Answer

Patients should always be prioritised over cost concerns

Answer

The hospital has 200 beds

Answer

The readmission rate is 10%

Answer

Staff absences increased by 5% last year