Assessment tools - Question examples
Example of an SBA
Mrs. Louisa Dimarzo is a 58 year old woman who presents with tiredness, depression and loss of appetite. Palpation of the neck reveals a slight diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland
1. Which one of the following findings is most consistent with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism?
- Slow pulse
- Prominent eyes
- Tremor
- Loose bowel motions
Answer 1
Discussion Point
In a single best answer question there may be more than one correct answer amongst the options. There may be options that are incorrect and you can rule these out easily if you know the subject area. Then you may be left with a couple of options that you think are true. You must decide which is the BEST (most likely) answer to the question. In this particular single best answer question there is only one correct answer and that is option A.
Example of the first page of a five page MEQ paper
PAGE 1
| Robert Smith is a 63 year old man who has maturity onset diabetes treated with insulin. He is brought to the accident and emergency department from the bowling club. During a game of bowls he became confused and aggressive, then he lost consciousness.
You are a resident medical officer in the Accident and Emergency Department. |
Question 1. List 3 diagnostic hypotheses.
Model Answer
- hypoglycaemia
- hyperglycaemia
- cardiac arrhythmia
- cerebro vascular accident
A satisfactory answer would include the following:
Hypoglycaemia accompanied by any 2 other reasonable explanations.
Question 2. What 3 steps would you take in your immediate assessment of this man?
Model Answer
- Check Airway
- Check Breathing
- Check Circulation / pulse
A satisfactory answer would be identical to the model answer.