Anaesthesia Viva Bootcamp

General Approach to Answering Scenario Questions

It is possible to either adopt a categorised approach or highlight the critical issues

Structured approach

Create a known category or make your own

Give the headings first (not necessarily required if this is a common structure, e.g. A-E approach)

Then give detail

Therefore you demonstrate a complete answer without going into unnecessary detail

Critical issue

Finding and highlighting the reason that makes this scenario so different to normal

Often combining both approach is best, e.g.

In addition to my usual assessment (categorised) I am particularly concerned about the large thyroid mass (critical issue). My specific concerns are:

- Cardiac or respiratory compromise

- Thyroid status

- Whether the lesion is malignant

I would make all reasonable attempts to address [x, y, z issues]. However, assuming [a, b, c] I would proceed with [management].