Reasoning and Basic Computer Knowledge
Reasoning and basic computer knowledge are the quickest marks in the paper if you have a method. Reasoning items are series, coding, blood relations, directions, syllogisms and seating; computer items are hardware, memory, shortcut keys and hospital information systems.
Reasoning approaches
- Number series: check differences, then ratios, then squares and cubes, then alternating patterns.
- Blood relations: draw a small family tree and never hold relationships in your head.
- Syllogisms: draw Venn diagrams; a conclusion is invalid if it is only a possibility.
- Directions: fix north on the page and rotate.
Worked example
Find the next term: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?. The differences are 4, 6, 8, 10, so the next difference is 12 and the answer is 42. Equivalently the pattern is n(n+1). Reasoning: test first differences before trying anything more complex, and confirm the rule holds for every given term, not just the last two.
Computer essentials
- RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile; 1 GB = 1024 MB, 1 MB = 1024 KB.
- Shortcuts: Ctrl+C copy, Ctrl+V paste, Ctrl+X cut, Ctrl+Z undo, Ctrl+S save, Ctrl+P print, Ctrl+F find, Alt+Tab switch windows.
- A hospital information system links registration, laboratory, pharmacy and billing; the electronic medical record is the patient's clinical data within it. Telemedicine is remote consultation.
Worked example in practice
A nurse enters a patient's drug allergy into the software. The most important safeguard is verifying patient identity with two identifiers before entry, because a correct record attached to the wrong patient is more dangerous than an incomplete one. Reasoning: data quality depends first on correct identification, then on completeness.
Safety and etiquette
Use strong unique passwords, never share logins, lock the screen when leaving, enable two-factor authentication, keep patient data off personal devices, and do not open unsolicited attachments.
Traps
Ignoring order of operations in arithmetic, confusing MB with Mb, and answering reasoning items from impression rather than a drawn diagram.