Respiratory: RCSI aptitude test practice questions
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Respiratory on the RCSI theory paper
Asthma, COPD, oxygen therapy and target saturations, inhalers, nebulisers, spirometry and the MRC dyspnoea scale.
20 multiple-choice questions, each with an explanation and the document it was checked against. Three questions are free; the pass opens the other 17 and every other topic. Wrong answers come back first the next time you practise, and a question counts as mastered after two correct answers in a row.
Sample questions from this topic
Question 1
What are the common symptoms of COPD listed by the HSE?
- ABreathlessness, wheeze, chesty cough, frequent infections
- BSudden severe chest pain on exertion that eases with rest
- CNight sweats, unexplained weight gain and swollen ankles
- DCoughing up blood as the first symptom
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Answer: A. HSE: common COPD symptoms are increasing shortness of breath, wheeze, a persistent chesty cough with phlegm and frequent chest infections. Haemoptysis and chest pain are not typical and need investigation.
Source: HSE: COPD overview
Question 2
What does the HSE say is the single most important thing a person with COPD who smokes can do?
- ARest and avoid exertion
- BTake vitamin D and C supplements
- CStop smoking
- DMove to a drier climate
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Answer: C. HSE: stopping smoking is the single most important thing a person with COPD can do; it prevents further damage and makes treatments work better. Activity, not rest, is encouraged.
Source: HSE: COPD treatment
Question 3
Which two conditions does the HSE say COPD includes?
- AEmphysema and chronic bronchitis
- BPneumonia and pleurisy
- CPulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis
- DAsthma and bronchiectasis
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Answer: A. HSE: COPD includes emphysema (damage to the air sacs) and chronic bronchitis (long-term airway inflammation). Both cause progressive airflow obstruction, mainly from smoking.
Source: HSE: COPD overview
The practice above shuffles the options each time and keeps your score. 30 more free questions across the paper, with a PDF.
Documents behind these questions
Every fact was checked against the public document named on the answer. This topic draws on: