Refer to the following letter, symbol series and answer the questions given below. Counting should be done from left to right only.

(Left) A & V & L + D @ U $ Q P * A & R Q Z # E N & H (Right)

How many such symbols are there each of which is immediately preceded by a vowel but not immediately followed by a vowel?

Appeared in: DSSSB 6 September 2024

Explanation

The question requires finding a specific pattern: a symbol that comes after a vowel but is not followed by another vowel.
The vowels in the English alphabet are A, E, I, O, and U. All other letters are consonants.
Scanning the series A & V & L + D @ U $ Q P * A & R Q Z # E N & H reveals exactly three instances that match this rule.
The first instance is A & V, where the symbol & is preceded by the vowel A and followed by the consonant V.
The second instance is U $ Q, where the symbol $ is preceded by the vowel U and followed by the consonant Q.
The third instance is A & R, where the symbol & is preceded by the vowel A and followed by the consonant R.

Option A: This count is incorrect. There are only three instances that match the criteria, not four.
Option C: This count is too low. It indicates that the search was likely stopped after finding the first instance (A & V) without checking the rest of the series.
Option D: This count is incorrect. It suggests that one of the three valid instances was missed during the scan of the series.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning - Symbol and Letter Series Analysis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While not a clinical question, logical reasoning and pattern recognition are fundamental skills for nurses.
These skills are used daily in interpreting patient data, recognizing trends in vital signs, and making critical, time-sensitive decisions.
For example, a nurse uses pattern recognition to identify the subtle signs of patient deterioration, such as a pattern of decreasing urine output, rising heart rate, and falling blood pressure, which may indicate developing shock.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read the question to understand the exact condition you need to find. Break it down into parts: (1) a symbol, (2) immediately preceded by a vowel, and (3) not immediately followed by a vowel.
Identify the sets of characters you're working with: Vowels (A, E, I, O, U), Symbols (&, +, @, $, *, #), and other characters (Consonants).
Systematically scan the series from left to right. When you encounter a symbol, pause and check the character immediately before it and immediately after it.
Apply the two-part condition: Is the character before it a vowel? If yes, proceed. Is the character after it NOT a vowel?
If both parts of the condition are true, increment your count.
Continue this process until you have checked every symbol in the series to ensure you haven't missed any instances.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Logical Reasoning - Symbol and Letter Series Analysis
Stem keywords: letter, symbol series, preceded by a vowel, not immediately followed by a vowel
Lead-in keywords: How many
Negative lead-in flag: false

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Practise the full DSSSB 6 September 2024

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