To delete any number of rows and columns in MS Excel, shortcut key is?

Appeared in: NIA - 29 January 2023

Explanation

The shortcut Ctrl + - is the designated command in MS Excel for deleting cells, rows, and columns.
When an entire row or column is selected, this shortcut removes it instantly.
If only a cell or a range of cells is selected, it prompts the user with a dialog box to choose how to shift the remaining cells, or to delete the entire row/column.
This is the most direct and standard method for this type of structural deletion in Excel.

Option B: Ctrl + X is the shortcut for 'Cut'. It removes the content of the selected cells and places it on the clipboard, but it does not delete the cell structure itself.
Option C: Ctrl + Z is the universal shortcut for 'Undo'. It reverses the last action taken.
Option D: Ctrl + Shift + X is not a standard, default shortcut key in Microsoft Excel for any common function, including deletion.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain MS Excel Keyboard Shortcuts as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While not a clinical skill, proficiency in software like MS Excel is crucial for modern nursing practice for tasks such as patient data management, creating staff schedules, tracking inventory, and basic data analysis for quality improvement projects.
Knowing shortcuts improves efficiency, reduces errors, and allows nurses to spend more time on direct patient care rather than on administrative tasks.
What if? If a nurse needed to add a new entry (e.g., a new patient or medication) into a spreadsheet, they would use the inverse shortcut, Ctrl + Shift + +, to insert a new row, demonstrating the importance of knowing both insertion and deletion commands.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core task in the question: 'delete any number of rows and columns'.
Identify the software specified: 'MS Excel'.
This is a factual recall question about a specific software's functionality.
Mentally review the function of each shortcut option provided.
Recall that Ctrl + - is the standard deletion shortcut, while Ctrl + X is for cutting, and Ctrl + Z is for undoing.
Eliminate the options with known, different functions and the one with no standard function to arrive at the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NIA - 29 January 2023

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