Which number should come next

46, 44, 40, 38, 34, _______

Appeared in: WCL Staff Nurse - 2022

Explanation

The series follows an alternating subtraction pattern.
The pattern is to subtract 2, then subtract 4, and this sequence repeats.
The sequence of operations is: 46-2=44, 44-4=40, 40-2=38, 38-4=34.
Following this pattern, the next step is to subtract 2 from the last number, 34.
Therefore, the correct next number is 34 - 2 = 32.

Option A: This would be the result of subtracting 4 from 34. This breaks the alternating pattern of -2, -4, -2, -4. The correct next step is to subtract 2.
Option C: Subtracting 1 (34 - 1 = 33) does not fit the established -2, -4 alternating pattern.
Option D: The number 36 is greater than 34. The series is consistently decreasing, so any number larger than the previous term is incorrect.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Number Series Pattern Recognition as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While not a clinical question, logical reasoning and pattern recognition are fundamental skills for nurses.
These skills are essential for interpreting trends in patient vital signs, recognizing patterns in symptoms, and making quick, logical decisions in a high-pressure environment.
For example, a nurse might notice a pattern of decreasing blood pressure and increasing heart rate, recognizing it as a sign of developing shock.

How to Approach the Question

First, examine the given series of numbers: 46, 44, 40, 38, 34.
Calculate the difference between each consecutive pair of numbers to identify a potential pattern.
Observe the differences: 46-44=2; 44-40=4; 40-38=2; 38-34=4.
This reveals an alternating subtraction pattern: subtract 2, then subtract 4.
Apply the next logical step in the pattern to the last number of the series.
Since the last operation was subtracting 4 (to get 34), the next operation must be to subtract 2.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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