Free Primary FRCA Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Primary FRCA Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1Which receptor action is thought to contribute to the hypnotic effect of propofol?

   1. A.Positive modulation of GABA-A signallingCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Competitive blockade of opioid receptors
   3. C.Irreversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase
   4. D.Selective activation of NMDA receptors

   Explanation: The prescribing information states "positive modulation". Propofol enhances inhibitory GABA-A function. The alternatives confuse its action with opioid antagonism, cholinesterase inhibition and excitatory glutamate signalling.

   Reference: Propofol injectable emulsion prescribing information — 12.1 Mechanism of Action

2. 2A fixed amount of ideal gas occupies 4.0 L at an absolute pressure of 100 kPa. At constant temperature, what volume will it occupy at 200 kPa?

   1. A.8.0 L
   2. B.2.0 LCorrect answer: B
   3. C.4.0 L
   4. D.6.0 L

   Explanation: The source states "mass and temperature are held constant". Boyle’s law gives P1V1=P2V2. V2=100 kPa×4.0 L/200 kPa=2.0 L. The alternatives preserve volume, add pressures incorrectly, or reverse the pressure–volume relation.

   Reference: NASA Glenn: Equation of State — Boyle’s Law paragraph

3. 3During prolonged propofol sedation, which blood measurement is particularly relevant to the lipid emulsion formulation?

   1. A.Serum urate concentration
   2. B.Serum triglyceride concentrationCorrect answer: B
   3. C.Serum phosphate concentration
   4. D.Serum bilirubin concentration

   Explanation: The prescribing information states "elevations in serum triglycerides". The infused lipid can raise triglycerides. Urate, phosphate and bilirubin do not measure this formulation-related lipid load.

   Reference: Propofol injectable emulsion prescribing information — 5.10 Risk of Elevations in Serum Triglycerides

4. 4A gas-filled reservoir contains 2.0 L at 300 K. Warming raises its temperature to 450 K while the amount of gas and pressure remain unchanged. Calculate its new volume.

   1. A.1.33 L
   2. B.2.0 L
   3. C.3.0 LCorrect answer: C
   4. D.4.5 L

   Explanation: The source states "volume is directly proportional". V2=V1×T2/T1=2.0 L×450 K/300 K=3.0 L. The other values invert the ratio, omit expansion, or apply an incorrect temperature factor.

   Reference: NASA Glenn: Equation of State — Charles and Gay-Lussac’s Law paragraph

5. 5Compared with a healthy younger adult, what adjustment is generally appropriate when administering propofol to an elderly patient?

   1. A.A lower induction dose and slower maintenance rateCorrect answer: A
   2. B.A higher induction dose and faster maintenance rate
   3. C.A lower induction dose and faster maintenance rate
   4. D.A higher induction dose and slower maintenance rate

   Explanation: The label specifies "A lower induction dose". Elderly patients also require a slower maintenance rate to reduce cardiorespiratory depression. Each alternative increases at least one component contrary to that adjustment.

   Reference: Propofol injectable emulsion prescribing information — 5.12 Use in the Elderly, Debilitated, or ASA-PS III or IV Patients

6. 6When describing a gas in anaesthetic physics, which expression defines density?

   1. A.Volume divided by mass
   2. B.Pressure multiplied by volume
   3. C.Temperature divided by pressure
   4. D.Mass divided by volumeCorrect answer: D

   Explanation: The source states "ratio of mass to volume". Density is mass per unit volume. The alternatives confuse specific volume, pressure–volume product and a temperature–pressure ratio.

   Reference: NASA Glenn: Equation of State — Gas density paragraph

7. 7A patient receiving a prolonged high-dose propofol infusion develops rhabdomyolysis, hyperkalaemia and cardiac failure. Which acid-base disturbance supports propofol infusion syndrome?

   1. A.Respiratory alkalosis
   2. B.Metabolic alkalosis
   3. C.Metabolic acidosisCorrect answer: C
   4. D.Compensated respiratory acidosis

   Explanation: The prescribing information states "severe metabolic acidosis". Metabolic acidosis accompanies the described multisystem syndrome. The other disturbances do not account for its characteristic metabolic derangement.

   Reference: Propofol injectable emulsion prescribing information — 5.9 Risks of Propofol Infusion Syndrome

8. 8Which SI unit would be appropriate for recording an arterial pressure?

   1. A.Watt
   2. B.Newton
   3. C.PascalCorrect answer: C
   4. D.Joule

   Explanation: The source states "pascal". The pascal is the pressure unit. Joule measures energy, watt power and newton force.

   Reference: NIST Special Publication 330, Section 2 — Table 4, pressure/stress

9. 9Following a prolonged high propofol infusion, drug moves from accumulated stores in fat and muscle back into plasma. Which pharmacokinetic process describes this movement?

   1. A.RedistributionCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Biotransformation
   3. C.Renal excretion
   4. D.Enteral absorption

   Explanation: The label describes "redistribution from fat and muscle". Return between tissue and plasma compartments is redistribution; metabolism changes drug chemistry, excretion removes it from the body, and enteral absorption concerns entry from the gut.

   Reference: Propofol injectable emulsion prescribing information — 12.3 Pharmacokinetics

10. 10Which SI unit expresses energy delivered by a defibrillator?

    1. A.Hertz
    2. B.Watt
    3. C.Pascal
    4. D.JouleCorrect answer: D

    Explanation: The source states "joule". Delivered energy is expressed in joules; watts describe its rate, pascals pressure and hertz frequency.

    Reference: NIST Special Publication 330, Section 2 — Table 4, energy/work/heat