PLAB 2: Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Part 2 (OSCE)

Exam at a glance

Questions

16

Duration

not published

Pass mark

not published

Sections

OSCE of 16 scenarios of 8 minutes each in mock consultation and acute ward settings · Assesses applying knowledge, communication and clinical skills at the level of a doctor starting Foundation Year 2 · App prepares only the written knowledge behind the stations, not the practical performance

Exam type

Practical

Language

English

Authority

GMC

Curriculum

Built from the question bank and updated automatically when new questions are added. 9 modules · 326 questions

1. 01Acute management: ABCDE and resuscitation55 questions · 16.9 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: ABCDE approach and airway basics
   • Foundations: life-threatening chest emergencies
   • Foundations: shock, burns and sepsis

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 60-year-old man on the ward is unresponsive and not breathing normally. The doctor has called for help. What is the next action?

   AStart chest compressions at 100 to 120 a minuteBCheck his blood glucose with a meterCTake arterial blood gasesDWait for the arrest team to arrive before starting any interventionEPlace him in the recovery position

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
2. 02Explaining and breaking bad news (SPIKES)54 questions · 16.6 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A doctor needs to tell a patient that her biopsy shows cancer. She is in a shared bay. What should happen first?

   ATell her quietly at the bedside before the ward roundBGive her the pathology report to read on her ownCMove to a private room and ask if she wants someone with herDAsk the nurse to tell her while the doctor is busyEPhone her after she is discharged home later that day to give the result

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
3. 03Consent and capacity55 questions · 16.9 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A foundation doctor is asked to consent a patient for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy but has never seen one. What should the doctor do?

   ATake consent by reading out the information printed on the hospital formBTake consent and ask the patient to sign quicklyCAsk the patient to look up the operation onlineDAsk a nurse to take consent on their behalfEDecline and ask a doctor who can do the procedure to take consent

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
4. 04Ethics and professionalism (GMC Good medical practice)53 questions · 16.3 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A patient offers a doctor a box of chocolates after discharge. What is the most appropriate response?

   ARefuse as all gifts are forbiddenBAccept and give extra time next visitCAccept it graciously as a small tokenDReport the patient to the hospital managerEAsk for cash instead

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
5. 05Clinical examination: findings and interpretation14 questions · 4.3 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: brain anatomy and clinical localisation
   • Foundations: reflexes, the spinal cord and upper versus lower motor neuron signs

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   Before a rectal examination, what must the doctor do in addition to explaining and gaining consent?

   AAsk the patient to sign a written consent formBAsk a relative of the patient to wait outsideCOffer a chaperone and record the outcomeDArrange for a consultant to be present throughoutEPerform it only after imaging has been done

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
6. 06History taking: priorities and focused questioning54 questions · 16.6 % of the bank
7. 07Safe prescribing (BNF)15 questions · 4.6 % of the bank
8. 08Safeguarding children and adults13 questions · 4 % of the bank
9. 09Teamwork, handover and prioritisation (SBAR)13 questions · 4 % of the bank

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From registration to licence

The usual steps with GMC. Details can change; check the current rules with GMC before you register.

1. Check eligibility and collect your documents (degree, experience, good standing).
2. Create an account with GMC and submit the application.
3. Receive the exam eligibility and book a date with the test centre.
4. Sit the exam. Results usually come within days.
5. After passing: complete licensing (for example primary source verification) and receive your licence.

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