Refer to the following letter and symbol series and answer the question that follows. Counting to be done from left to right only. (Left) GC & RΩ Y # ES * £BUC & % D @ U$ P % Q & E (Right) How many such symbols are there each of which is immediately preceded by a vowel but not immediately followed by a vowel?

1. A

   Three

2. B

   One

3. C

   None

4. D

   Two

Appeared in: DSSSB 14 August 2024

Explanation

• The question requires identifying a specific three-character pattern: Vowel -> Symbol -> Not a Vowel.
• The series is: G C & R Ω Y # E S * £ B U C & % D @ U $ P % Q & E.
• Scanning the series, we look for vowels (A, E, I, O, U).
• The sequence '... @ U $ P ...' is the only one that fits the criteria.
• Here, the vowel is 'U', the symbol is '$', and the character that is not a vowel is 'P'.
• No other sequence in the series matches this specific pattern, resulting in a total count of one.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: This is incorrect. A thorough scan of the series reveals only one instance ('U $ P') that matches the specified criteria. No other patterns of 'Vowel -> Symbol -> Not a Vowel' exist.
• Option C: This is incorrect. The sequence 'U $ P' is a clear match for the condition: '$' is a symbol, it is preceded by a vowel 'U', and it is not followed by a vowel (it's followed by 'P').
• Option D: This is incorrect. While there is one valid instance ('U $ P'), a complete search of the series does not yield a second instance that fits the required pattern.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning and Pattern Identification as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• This question does not test a clinical nursing concept but assesses logical reasoning and attention to detail.
• These cognitive skills are crucial in nursing for accurately interpreting complex patient information, following multi-step protocols, and avoiding errors in medication administration or documentation.
• For example, a nurse must correctly read a prescription like 'Take 1 tab PO BID x 10 days' and not miss any detail, similar to finding the specific pattern in this series.

How to Approach the Question

• First, carefully read and understand the conditions. Break down the rule into simple parts: (1) Find a symbol, (2) check the character immediately before it, (3) check the character immediately after it.
• The required pattern is: [Vowel] -> [Symbol] -> [Not a Vowel].
• Identify all the vowels (A, E, I, O, U) and symbols in the given series.
• Systematically scan the series from left to right. It is often most efficient to locate the middle element of the pattern first. In this case, look for a symbol.
• For each symbol found, check if the preceding character is a vowel. If it is not, move to the next symbol.
• If the preceding character is a vowel, then check if the following character is NOT a vowel. If both conditions are met, increment your count.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Logical Reasoning and Pattern Identification
• Stem keywords: letter and symbol series, immediately preceded, immediately followed, vowel, symbol
• Lead-in keywords: How many
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QT_chm7bz6cSkNVPOB3bBv

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