and their interpretation. As they cannot go back to check on omissions multiple-choice questions have a minimal cueing effect. The students may be observed and scored at some stations by examiners using a check list.In the structured clinical examination the variables and complexity of the examination are more easily controlled, its aims can be more clearly defined, and more ofthe student's knowledge can be tested. The examination is more objective and a marking strategy can be decided in advance. The examination results in improved feedback to students and staff.
SUMMARY Good correlation has been shown between pain scores derived from 4 different rating scales. The correlation was maintained when presentation of the scales was separated by a series of questions and by physical examination. There is good evidence that the 4 scales are measuring the same underlying pain variable as they calibrate well. There is also evidence that an 11 -point (0-10) numerical rating scale performs better than both a 4-point simple descriptive scale or a continuous (visual analogue) scale.
The pharmacokinetics of prednisolone elimination have been studied in both arthritic patients and normal volunteers using tritiated prednisolone alone, and in conjunction with unlabelled prednisolone in doses of 0.15 mg-kg-1 and 0.3 mg-kg-1 body weight. With increasing dose there is prolongation of the plasma half-life and increase in the volume of distribution and plasma clearance of prednisolone. It is proposed that these changes in pharmacokinetic parameters may be associated with non-linear binding of the steroid to plasma proteins.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.