Select the option that is related to the third term on the same basis as the second term is related to the first term.
VXZ: SUW :: PRT : ?

Appeared in: DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The relationship between the first pair (VXZ and SUW) is that each letter in the second term is three positions backward in the alphabet from the corresponding letter in the first term.
To verify: V (22nd letter) shifts back 3 places to become S (19th). X (24th) shifts back 3 to become U (21st). Z (26th) shifts back 3 to become W (23rd).
Applying this same '-3' shift pattern to the letters in PRT gives the solution.
P (16th letter) minus 3 positions is the 13th letter, which is M.
R (18th letter) minus 3 positions is the 15th letter, which is O.
T (20th letter) minus 3 positions is the 17th letter, which is Q.

Option B: This option does not follow the consistent '-3' pattern. For example, P to N is a -2 shift, not -3.
Option C: This option does not follow the established '-3' pattern. The letters V, I, and Z have no consistent numerical relationship with P, R, and T based on the initial pattern.
Option D: This option appears to be a simple anagram or rearrangement of the letters in PRT, not a shift based on alphabetical position. It does not follow the '-3' rule.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Alphabet Analogy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While this is a non-clinical reasoning question, the skills tested—pattern recognition and logical deduction—are vital for nursing practice.
Nurses use pattern recognition daily to interpret vital signs, lab results, and patient symptoms to identify clinical deterioration or improvement.
For example, recognizing a pattern of rising heart rate, falling blood pressure, and decreasing urine output is crucial for identifying early signs of shock.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the relationship between the first pair of terms: VXZ and SUW.
Assign numerical positions to the letters to make the pattern clearer (e.g., A=1, B=2, ... Z=26).
Calculate the shift between corresponding letters: V(22) → S(19) is a shift of -3. X(24) → U(21) is -3. Z(26) → W(23) is -3.
Confirm that the pattern is a consistent shift of -3 for each letter.
Apply this same '-3' rule to the third term, PRT.
Calculate the new letters: P(16) - 3 = 13 (M); R(18) - 3 = 15 (O); T(20) - 3 = 17 (Q).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

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