FREC 3 ADVANCED CLINICAL
EXAMINATION 2026/2027 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. When performing a primary survey on an unconscious patient, which technique is most
appropriate for a suspected spinal injury to open the airway?
A. Jaw thrust without head extension
B. Head-tilt chin-lift
C. Bilateral carotid palpation
D. Neck hyperextension
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A jaw thrust is the preferred method for opening the airway in
trauma patients where spinal injury is suspected, as it minimizes cervical spine movement.
2. In the context of the CABCDE assessment, what does the first ‘C’ specifically prioritize?
A. Circulation and pulse checks
B. Capillary refill time
C. Catastrophic haemorrhage control
,D. Cervical spine stabilization
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Catastrophic haemorrhage must be addressed before the airway
(A) because a patient can bleed to death faster than they will succumb to an airway
obstruction.
3. What is the recommended flow rate for oxygen delivered via a non-rebreather mask for a
critically ill patient?
A. 10-15 litres per minute
B. 5-10 litres per minute
C. 2-6 litres per minute
D. 15-25 litres per minute
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A non-rebreather mask requires 10-15 L/min to keep the
reservoir bag inflated and provide oxygen concentrations of approximately 60-90%.
4. Which of the following is a sign of compensated shock in an adult patient?
A. Tachycardia and narrowed pulse pressure
B. Hypotension
C. Bradycardia and hypertension
D. Profound lethargy and unresponsiveness
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In compensated shock, the body maintains blood pressure
through tachycardia and peripheral vasoconstriction. Hypotension is a sign of
decompensated shock.
5. A patient presents with a respiratory rate of 28, wheezing, and is unable to complete full
sentences. Which condition is most likely?
A. Acute Myocardial Infarction
B. Acute Severe Asthma
C. Mild Hyperventilation
D. Pulmonary Embolism
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The inability to complete sentences in one breath combined
with tachypnea and wheezing indicates an acute severe asthma attack.
6. What is the correct compression depth for an adult during CPR according to UK Resus
Council guidelines?
A. 5-6 cm
B. 3-4 cm
C. 7-8 cm
D. At least 9 cm
EXAMINATION 2026/2027 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. When performing a primary survey on an unconscious patient, which technique is most
appropriate for a suspected spinal injury to open the airway?
A. Jaw thrust without head extension
B. Head-tilt chin-lift
C. Bilateral carotid palpation
D. Neck hyperextension
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A jaw thrust is the preferred method for opening the airway in
trauma patients where spinal injury is suspected, as it minimizes cervical spine movement.
2. In the context of the CABCDE assessment, what does the first ‘C’ specifically prioritize?
A. Circulation and pulse checks
B. Capillary refill time
C. Catastrophic haemorrhage control
,D. Cervical spine stabilization
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Catastrophic haemorrhage must be addressed before the airway
(A) because a patient can bleed to death faster than they will succumb to an airway
obstruction.
3. What is the recommended flow rate for oxygen delivered via a non-rebreather mask for a
critically ill patient?
A. 10-15 litres per minute
B. 5-10 litres per minute
C. 2-6 litres per minute
D. 15-25 litres per minute
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A non-rebreather mask requires 10-15 L/min to keep the
reservoir bag inflated and provide oxygen concentrations of approximately 60-90%.
4. Which of the following is a sign of compensated shock in an adult patient?
A. Tachycardia and narrowed pulse pressure
B. Hypotension
C. Bradycardia and hypertension
D. Profound lethargy and unresponsiveness
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In compensated shock, the body maintains blood pressure
through tachycardia and peripheral vasoconstriction. Hypotension is a sign of
decompensated shock.
5. A patient presents with a respiratory rate of 28, wheezing, and is unable to complete full
sentences. Which condition is most likely?
A. Acute Myocardial Infarction
B. Acute Severe Asthma
C. Mild Hyperventilation
D. Pulmonary Embolism
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The inability to complete sentences in one breath combined
with tachypnea and wheezing indicates an acute severe asthma attack.
6. What is the correct compression depth for an adult during CPR according to UK Resus
Council guidelines?
A. 5-6 cm
B. 3-4 cm
C. 7-8 cm
D. At least 9 cm
