Select the pair that follows the same pattern as that followed by the two pairs given below. Both pairs follow the same pattern.

NXG : PBM
VOB : XSH

Appeared in: RRB Nsg Superintendent -29 April 2025 (Shift-1st)

Explanation

The core pattern involves shifting each letter in the first group forward in the alphabet by a specific, increasing number of positions.
The established pattern is: the first letter moves +2 positions, the second letter moves +4 positions, and the third letter moves +6 positions.
Applying this rule to the pair 'SAL : UER' confirms it as the correct answer: S (+2) becomes U, A (+4) becomes E, and L (+6) becomes R.

Option A: The first letter 'G' shifted by +2 becomes 'I', but the option presents 'K'. The pattern fails at the first letter.
Option B: The second letter 'W' shifted by +4 should result in 'A' (wrapping around the alphabet from Z), but the option shows 'Z'.
Option C: The second letter 'E' shifted by +4 results in 'I', but the option presents 'G'. The pattern fails at the second letter.

Visual 1: Infographic - An infographic showing the alphabet with arrows demonstrating the +2, +4, and +6 shifts for the pair 'SAL' to 'UER'. This helps visualize the letter-hopping pattern.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning - Analogy and Pattern Recognition as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While not a clinical question, pattern recognition is a critical cognitive skill for nurses, helping them to quickly identify trends in patient vital signs, symptom progression, or lab results.
Logical reasoning helps in prioritizing tasks, making sound clinical judgments, and troubleshooting equipment or patient care issues effectively.
What if the pattern was +2, -4, +6? The correct answer would change, highlighting the need to precisely identify every element of a pattern before acting, similar to verifying all parameters of a medication order.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the relationship between the letters in the first given pair (NXG : PBM). Calculate the alphabetical distance for each corresponding letter (N to P, X to B, G to M).
Note the pattern: N is the 14th letter, P is the 16th (+2). X is the 24th, B is the 2nd (+4, wrapping around). G is the 7th, M is the 13th (+6). The pattern is +2, +4, +6.
Confirm this pattern by applying it to the second given pair (VOB : XSH). V+2=X, O+4=S, B+6=H. The pattern holds true.
Systematically test each of the four options against this established +2, +4, +6 rule.
Eliminate the options that do not fit the pattern. The one option that correctly follows the rule is the answer.
For 'SAL': S+2=U, A+4=E, L+6=R. This matches 'UER' perfectly.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Nsg Superintendent -29 April 2025 (Shift-1st)

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