What will come in the place of '?' in the following question,

BCD: DEF :: LMN:?

Appeared in: WCL Staff Nurse - 2022

Explanation

The core concept is a letter series analogy, where a consistent pattern connects two pairs of letter groups.
The pattern established between 'BCD' and 'DEF' is a uniform shift of +2 positions for each corresponding letter in the alphabet (B+2=D, C+2=E, D+2=F).
Applying this same +2 shift pattern to 'LMN' results in 'NOP' (L+2=N, M+2=O, N+2=P).

Option A: This option is incorrect. It does not follow the established +2 letter shift pattern. For example, L+2 is N, not P.
Option C: This option has the correct letters but in the wrong order. The sequence should follow the original (LMN -> NOP), not a reversed or mixed sequence.
Option D: This option contains the correct letters but in a reversed order. The pattern is a simple forward shift, not a shift followed by a reversal.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning: Letter Analogy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While not a clinical question, logical reasoning is a crucial skill for nurses. It helps in analyzing patient symptoms, recognizing patterns in vital signs, and making rapid, sound clinical decisions.
This type of problem-solving enhances critical thinking, which is essential for prioritizing patient care and troubleshooting equipment.
What if? - If the question was 'BCD : GHI', the pattern would be a +5 shift (B+5=G, C+5=H, D+5=I). Applying this to 'LMN' would result in 'QRS' (L+5=Q, M+5=R, N+5=S).

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the relationship between the first pair of letter groups, 'BCD' and 'DEF'.
Identify the specific pattern connecting them. Notice that each letter in 'DEF' is two positions ahead of the corresponding letter in 'BCD'.
Confirm the pattern: B (+2) -> D, C (+2) -> E, D (+2) -> F. The pattern is a consistent '+2 shift'.
Now, apply this same '+2 shift' rule to the second letter group, 'LMN'.
Calculate the new letters: L (+2) -> N, M (+2) -> O, N (+2) -> P.
Combine the new letters to form the answer: 'NOP'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qpx_PCgN7s-zEC9IBOKylP

Practise the full WCL Staff Nurse - 2022

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