If in a code, CAT = DBU, what is DOG?

Appeared in: SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-A)

Explanation

The question establishes a simple substitution cipher where each letter in a word is replaced by the next letter in the alphabet.
The example 'CAT = DBU' demonstrates this pattern: C becomes D, A becomes B, and T becomes U.
Applying this '+1' forward shift to the word 'DOG' results in 'EPH'.
D shifts to E.
O shifts to P.
G shifts to H.

Option B: This option incorrectly codes 'G' as 'F'. This would imply a '-1' shift (backward) for the last letter, which contradicts the established '+1' shift pattern.
Option C: This option incorrectly keeps 'D' as 'D'. This implies a '0' shift for the first letter, which is inconsistent with the '+1' shift pattern seen in the example 'CAT' to 'DBU'.
Option D: This option incorrectly codes 'G' as 'F'. This suggests a '-1' shift for the last letter, breaking the consistent '+1' forward shift pattern.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning: Letter Substitution Cipher as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While not a clinical question, logical reasoning is a foundational skill tested in nursing entrance and recruitment exams to assess critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Pattern recognition is a key cognitive skill that nurses use daily, for instance, in identifying trends in a patient's vital signs or recognizing the early signs of a deteriorating condition.
What if the code was 'ZAP'? Applying the same +1 logic, 'Z' would wrap around to 'A', 'A' would become 'B', and 'P' would become 'Q'. The coded word would be 'ABQ'.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully analyze the relationship between the letters in the given example pair (CAT and DBU).
Compare the position of each letter in the first word with the corresponding letter in the second word (C with D, A with B, T with U).
Identify the rule or pattern. In this case, each letter is shifted one position forward in the alphabet (+1).
Apply this identified pattern consistently to the word you need to code (DOG).
Shift each letter of DOG one position forward: D becomes E, O becomes P, and G becomes H.
Combine the new letters to form the coded word (EPH) and select the matching option from the list.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QPGbk-jb-lgPDSTSlj-cSG

Practise the full SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-A)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.