BOOK REVIEW
European Journal of Anaesthesiology 2012, 29:112
Single Best Answer MCQs in Anaesthesia: problem posed. Following each paper, there are answers
Volume II - Basic Sciences with detailed explanations to questions and references for
C. Mendonca, M. Chaudhari and A. Pitchiah further reading.
As with the previous volume questions are written in a
TFM Publishing Ltd: London, 2011
clear, concise manner, with each paper containing ques-
ISBN 978-1-903378-83-0, 200 pp
tions from the broad range of topics listed above. Answers
Price £30 (s45)
are clear with brief, but accurate, explanations of the
This is the second publication in series aimed at indi- subject addressed using bullet points, formulae and
viduals sitting postgraduate examinations in anaesthesia. graphs appropriately to present information to the reader.
The first volume addressed the clinical components of References provided are from popular textbooks, recent
anaesthetic practice, whereas this book seeks to test a publications of scientific journals and internet addresses,
candidate’s knowledge of the basic sciences relating to and include recently published guidelines.
anaesthesia. As with the previous volume, the introduc-
Where the book fails is the lack of a section on exam
tion does not state which examinations are targeted,
technique as candidates may not have encountered such a
however the format is keeping with that of the Primary
paper before. Nor does it include an index, which would
Fellowship of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FRCA)
be useful to allow quick reference to questions relating to
(UK) examination, where Single Best Answer MCQs
specific topics and their answers.
(SBAs) were introduced in September 2011. This is in
contrast to the European Diploma in Anaesthesiology On the whole, as a book presenting clinical science SBAs
and Intensive Care where traditional true/false MCQs are it excels, particularly as no other book addressing this
employed to test a candidate’s knowledge. format of exam exists. The authors have yet again kept
abreast of recent developments in the structure of anaes-
The book is organised into six papers of 30 SBA ques-
thetic exams in the UK and any candidate planning on
tions, with five possible responses to each question. Of
sitting such an exam would be well advised to utilise this
these five options, one is the best, and therefore the
well presented publication.
correct answer. The questions cover all areas of basic
science of the FRCA curriculum: pharmacology, physi- Will Whiteley
ology, physics, clinical measurement and equipment, and Specialty Registrar in Anaesthesia, Nottingham Univer-
are largely written as clinical vignettes where the ques- sity Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
tion covers the basic science surrounding the scenario or E-mail: [email protected]
0265-0215 ß 2012 Copyright European Society of Anaesthesiology DOI:10.1097/EJA.0b013e32834ef697
Copyright © European Society of Anaesthesiology. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
