PLAB Part 1 Samples | MD Acumen
MD Acumen logo MD Acumen

PLAB Part 1 — Sample Teaching Materials

This page provides official GMC references and a small set of interactive example questions for orientation. For the full official set, use the GMC PDF below.

Official GMC reference

PLAB 1 Applied Knowledge Test — example questions (GMC PDF)

MD Acumen is an independent education provider and is not affiliated with the GMC.

Exam integrity

We do not use, request, or distribute recalled exam content. Candidates must comply with GMC exam regulations.

GMC PLAB misconduct procedures  |  PLAB and the MLA

The five questions below are derived from the official GMC example set; stems are paraphrased for clarity and to avoid reproducing large verbatim blocks. Options and answers reflect the official key.
1 Chronic diarrhoea + weight loss + intensely itchy rash — small bowel biopsy finding?

A middle-aged man has long-standing diarrhoea and weight loss, plus an intensely pruritic erythematous rash on buttocks/thighs. Blood tests show anaemia with anisocytosis. What is the most likely histological feature on small bowel biopsy?

  1. Hyperplasia of Brunner’s glands
  2. Increased intraepithelial macrophages
  3. Increased lymphocytes in submucosa
  4. Ulceration
  5. Villous atrophy
Correct answer: E — Villous atrophy
GI / malabsorption Applied histology
2 ED request for strong analgesia + malnourished/restless — key non-prescribed substance to ask about?

A young adult presents with abdominal pain requesting strong analgesia. She appears malnourished and is restless/irritable. Which non-prescribed substance is most important to enquire about?

  1. Alcohol
  2. Amphetamines
  3. Cannabis
  4. Cocaine
  5. Heroin
Correct answer: E — Heroin
Substance misuse ED presentations
3 Painless jaundice + pale stools + weight loss — most appropriate investigation?

An older patient has painless jaundice, pale stools and weight loss. Examination is otherwise unremarkable. Which investigation is most appropriate?

  1. CT scan of abdomen
  2. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography
  3. MR cholangio-pancreatography
  4. PET scan of abdomen
  5. Ultrasound scan of the abdomen
Correct answer: A — CT scan of abdomen
Hepatobiliary Investigation choice
4 Paracetamol overdose, now regrets; level below NAC line — most appropriate action?

A patient presents after an impulsive paracetamol overdose and now expresses regret. The paracetamol level is below the treatment line for N-acetylcysteine. What is the most appropriate course of action?

  1. Admit to psychiatric ward
  2. Assessment by liaison psychiatry in Emergency Department
  3. Discharge home with GP follow-up
  4. Prescribe antidepressant medication
  5. Refer for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Correct answer: B — Assessment by liaison psychiatry in Emergency Department
Self-harm / overdose Safety / governance
5 Post-op hip fracture surgery + sudden pleuritic chest pain/SOB + haemoptysis — best diagnostic test?

An elderly inpatient post-hip surgery develops acute chest pain and breathlessness with a single episode of haemoptysis. Observations show mild hypoxia. Which diagnostic investigation is most appropriate?

  1. Arterial blood gases
  2. Chest X-ray
  3. CT pulmonary angiogram
  4. D-dimer
  5. ECG
Correct answer: C — CT pulmonary angiogram
Respiratory / PE Acute care