The syllabus for the Final FRCA is wide, and it is tested in different ways: by multiple choice questions, by orals in anaesthesia and clinical science, and by written short answer questions. The aim of this book is to give you some insight into the short answer section and some guidance as to how best you might succeed. The introduction explains the paper and offers advice about technique, and the 180 questions that follow comprise topics that are typical of those that might appear. Each title is followed by a short preamble which is intended to establish the relevance of the subject that is being asked, and by a specimen introduction to the answer. It is not intended that you necessarily should reproduce these introductions in your own papers, but they are included as examples of ways in which answers could begin. There follows the body of the text which is presented mainly in the form of bulleted lists accompanied by supporting information and explanation, a format whose purpose is to make the significant details clear and accessible. At the end of each topic a section entitled ‘Marking points’ attempts to reinforce the objective of the question and to clarify any particular aspects that may be important for a pass.