Free NMC CBT Numeracy Practice Questions
Worked examples for every Part A question type — with step-by-step solutions and clinical tips.
About Part A numeracy
Part A of the NMC CBT consists of 15 numeracy questions. Unlike Part B, questions require a typed numerical answer — there is no multiple choice. A calculator is available on screen.
The question types are highly predictable. Every sitting covers the same six categories. Master each one using a formula-based approach, and Part A becomes the most reliable part of the exam to score well on.
Worked examples
Type your answer and check it before the working is revealed.
Question
A patient is prescribed 1.5 g of paracetamol. Stock tablets are 500 mg each. How many tablets should be administered?
Question
A patient requires 375 mg of amoxicillin. The suspension available is 250 mg/5 mL. What volume should be given?
Question
A patient requires 75 mg of pethidine IM. The ampoule contains 100 mg/2 mL. What volume should be drawn up?
Question
A patient is prescribed 1 litre of 0.9% sodium chloride over 8 hours. At what rate should the infusion pump be set?
Question
A patient requires 500 mL of blood over 4 hours via a giving set with a drop factor of 15 drops/mL. What is the drip rate in drops per minute?
Question
Over a 12-hour shift, a patient drank 600 mL of water, had 500 mL of IV fluid, and received 250 mL of enteral feed. Urine output was 750 mL and wound drainage was 120 mL. What is the fluid balance?
Key formulas to memorise
Common mistakes to avoid
Not converting units before calculating
Always ensure the prescribed dose and the stock dose are in the same unit before dividing. A common error is calculating with grams and milligrams mixed.
Using the wrong drop factor
Standard IV giving sets = 20 drops/mL for clear fluids, 15 drops/mL for blood products. The question will state the drop factor — read it carefully.
Forgetting to round drip rates
You cannot set a partial drop — always round drops/min to the nearest whole number. The question will ask for a whole number.
Omitting outputs from fluid balance
Fluid balance includes all outputs — urine, vomit, wound drainage, and nasogastric aspirates. Read the scenario carefully to capture every figure.
Rushing the decimal point
Decimal point errors are the leading cause of Part A mistakes. After calculating, ask yourself: does this dose make clinical sense? 15 tablets should prompt a recheck.