FREC 3 ADVANCED CLINICAL
COMPETENCY EXAM 2026/2027
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When performing a primary survey on a patient with a suspected catastrophic limb
hemorrhage, which mnemonic should be prioritized?
A. ABCDE
B. DRABC
C. ABCDE
D. SAMPLE
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In modern trauma care, catastrophic hemorrhage () must be
addressed before the airway, as a patient can bleed to death faster than they can suffocate
from a blocked airway.
2. What is the recommended flow rate for a non-rebreather mask when administering high-
concentration oxygen to a critically ill patient?
A. 2-6 liters per minute
B. 5-10 liters per minute
,C. 10-15 liters per minute
D. 15-25 liters per minute
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A non-rebreather mask requires a flow rate of 10-15 liters per
minute to ensure the reservoir bag remains inflated and provides 60-90% oxygen
concentration.
3. Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, what is the first principle to assume when treating an
adult patient?
A. Capacity must be proven by the responder
B. If a decision seems unwise, the patient lacks capacity
C. A person must be assumed to have capacity unless established otherwise
D. Next of kin can provide legal consent for the patient
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The first principle of the MCA 2005 is that every adult has the
right to make their own decisions and must be assumed to have capacity unless it is proved
that they lack it.
4. Which of the following is a sign of a tension pneumothorax rather than a simple
pneumothorax?
A. Tracheal deviation away from the affected side
, B. Diminished breath sounds on one side
C. Sudden onset of chest pain
D. Increased respiratory rate
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Tracheal deviation is a late and critical sign of tension
pneumothorax, indicating significant mediastinal shift and pressure buildup.
5. In adult CPR, what is the recommended depth of chest compressions according to the UK
Resuscitation Council?
A. At least 4 cm but no more than 5 cm
B. Approximately one-third of the chest depth
C. At least 5 cm but no more than 6 cm
D. Exactly 6 cm
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Resuscitation Council UK guidelines specify a compression
depth of 5-6 cm for an average adult.
6. A patient presents with a ‘staccato’ speech pattern, extreme breathlessness, and silent
chest on auscultation. What is the most likely condition?
A. Mild asthma attack
B. Hyperventilation syndrome
COMPETENCY EXAM 2026/2027
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When performing a primary survey on a patient with a suspected catastrophic limb
hemorrhage, which mnemonic should be prioritized?
A. ABCDE
B. DRABC
C. ABCDE
D. SAMPLE
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In modern trauma care, catastrophic hemorrhage () must be
addressed before the airway, as a patient can bleed to death faster than they can suffocate
from a blocked airway.
2. What is the recommended flow rate for a non-rebreather mask when administering high-
concentration oxygen to a critically ill patient?
A. 2-6 liters per minute
B. 5-10 liters per minute
,C. 10-15 liters per minute
D. 15-25 liters per minute
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A non-rebreather mask requires a flow rate of 10-15 liters per
minute to ensure the reservoir bag remains inflated and provides 60-90% oxygen
concentration.
3. Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, what is the first principle to assume when treating an
adult patient?
A. Capacity must be proven by the responder
B. If a decision seems unwise, the patient lacks capacity
C. A person must be assumed to have capacity unless established otherwise
D. Next of kin can provide legal consent for the patient
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The first principle of the MCA 2005 is that every adult has the
right to make their own decisions and must be assumed to have capacity unless it is proved
that they lack it.
4. Which of the following is a sign of a tension pneumothorax rather than a simple
pneumothorax?
A. Tracheal deviation away from the affected side
, B. Diminished breath sounds on one side
C. Sudden onset of chest pain
D. Increased respiratory rate
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Tracheal deviation is a late and critical sign of tension
pneumothorax, indicating significant mediastinal shift and pressure buildup.
5. In adult CPR, what is the recommended depth of chest compressions according to the UK
Resuscitation Council?
A. At least 4 cm but no more than 5 cm
B. Approximately one-third of the chest depth
C. At least 5 cm but no more than 6 cm
D. Exactly 6 cm
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Resuscitation Council UK guidelines specify a compression
depth of 5-6 cm for an average adult.
6. A patient presents with a ‘staccato’ speech pattern, extreme breathlessness, and silent
chest on auscultation. What is the most likely condition?
A. Mild asthma attack
B. Hyperventilation syndrome
