Select the letter-cluster that will replace the question mark (?) in the following series:

GDMT, KZQP, OVUL, SRYH, ?

Appeared in: NVS Staff Nurse - 2022

Explanation

The series follows a consistent pattern for each of the four letter positions in the cluster.
The pattern for the positions is: 1st letter (+4), 2nd letter (-4), 3rd letter (+4), 4th letter (-4).
Applying this pattern to the last term 'SRYH': S(19)+4=W(23), R(18)-4=N(14), Y(25)+4=C(3), H(8)-4=D(4).
Combining these letters results in the next term in the series: WNCD.

Option A: This option incorrectly calculates the second, third, and fourth letters. While 'W' is correct, 'O', 'C', and 'E' do not follow the established pattern of -4, +4, -4 from 'R', 'Y', and 'H' respectively.
Option B: This option correctly identifies the first two letters ('W' and 'N') but fails on the last two. The third letter should be Y(25)+4=C(3), not B, and the fourth letter should be H(8)-4=D(4), which is correct in this option, but the third letter is wrong.
Option D: This option is incorrect from the first letter. The pattern requires adding 4 to S(19), which results in W(23), not V(22). All subsequent letters are also incorrect.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning - Letter Series as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests logical reasoning and pattern recognition, skills that are valuable in nursing for analyzing patient data, identifying trends in vital signs, and making connections between symptoms and potential causes.
A nurse might use similar pattern-recognition skills to notice a subtle, consistent drop in a patient's blood pressure every evening, prompting an investigation into their medication schedule or daily activities.
What if the pattern was +4, +4, -4, -4? The next term after SRYH would be: S(19)+4=W, R(18)+4=V, Y(25)-4=U, H(8)-4=D. The answer would be WVUD.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the relationship between the first letters of each cluster: G, K, O, S. Determine the numerical gap between them (G to K is +4, K to O is +4, etc.).
Repeat this process for the second, third, and fourth letters of each cluster independently.
Identify the consistent pattern for each position. In this case, it's +4 for the first letter, -4 for the second, +4 for the third, and -4 for the fourth.
Apply this established pattern to the last given term in the series (SRYH) to calculate the next term.
Remember to handle alphabet wrap-around. For example, Y(25) + 4 goes past Z, so you calculate 25 + 4 = 29, then 29 - 26 = 3, which is C.
Combine the calculated letters to form the final answer and select the matching option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QXg3lyQob8d_ekD9jQKW0g

Practise the full NVS Staff Nurse - 2022

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