RCPA BPS Exam case studies
RCPA BPS Exam · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Basic Pathological Sciences (BPS) Examination is the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia's entry-level written assessment of the scientific foundations underpinning pathology training. It is aimed at trainees beginning laboratory-based training in anatomical pathology, haematology, chemical pathology, microbiology, immunology, or genetic pathology, and at others who need a documented grasp of core pathological science. It tests principles rather than diagnostic pattern recognition: how cells respond to injury, how inflammation and repair proceed, how neoplasia arises and spreads, how haemostasis and transfusion science work, how the immune system contributes to disease, how infections are caused and controlled, and the core concepts of metabolic, genetic, and organ-based disease mechanisms. Because it is a science examination, preparation is best built around a structured syllabus read-through paired with active recall. The RCPA BPS Exam case studies are 5 cases and about 2,364 words.
1Postoperative Fever and Wound Dehiscence After Colectomy
A 68-year-old man undergoes elective sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease. On postoperative day 5, he develops a temperature of 38.6°C, tachycardia (110 bpm), and a swollen, erythematous midline laparotomy wound with serosanguinous discharge.
493 words, about 2 min2A Breast Lump with Discordant Receptor Status
A 52-year-old woman presents with a 2.5 cm firm, irregular mass in the right breast. Core biopsy shows invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 3, with lymphovascular invasion.
514 words, about 3 min3Bleeding After Starting Warfarin for Atrial Fibrillation
A 74-year-old woman with atrial fibrillation is started on warfarin. Her baseline INR is 1.0.
470 words, about 2 min4Neonatal Sepsis with a Positive Blood Culture
A 5-day-old neonate born at 36 weeks' gestation presents with poor feeding, lethargy, and temperature instability (36.2°C). He was born by emergency caesarean section for fetal distress, and maternal vaginal swabs were positive for group B Streptococcus (GBS).
416 words, about 2 min5Unexplained Weight Loss and Hypercalcaemia
A 60-year-old woman presents with a 6-month history of fatigue, constipation, and 8 kg weight loss. She has a history of hypertension and takes hydrochlorothiazide.
471 words, about 2 min