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Last-2-Weeks Respiratory Plan (MRCP Part 1)

TL;DR

The last-2-weeks strategy for respiratory (MRCP Part 1) is about refinement, not overload. Prioritise high-yield Respiratory Medicine topics—Asthma, COPD, Pneumonia, Pulmonary Embolism, and Interstitial Lung Disease—while balancing timed mock tests with quick daily recall. In these two weeks, practice 80–100 targeted MCQs a day, focus on pattern recognition, and simulate the exam environment using Crack Medicine’s QBank and mock analytics.


Why this matters

Two weeks before the MRCP Part 1, many candidates hit a plateau — knowing “facts” but struggling to apply them under exam pressure. Respiratory questions often integrate physiology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine, making them a strong differentiator in scoring.

To make this final stretch efficient, your plan must be clinical, concise, and exam-aligned — not random reading. That’s why Crack Medicine combines question-based learning, mock test analytics, and lecture integration to help you recall, reason, and apply knowledge quickly.

Start here: explore our MRCP Part 1 overview.


The 5 high-yield respiratory systems to master

Topic

High-Yield Focus

Key Tips

Asthma

Stepwise management (BTS/SIGN), ABG patterns, drug side effects

Always review acute severe asthma criteria (PEF <33%, SpO₂ <92%)

COPD

GOLD staging, long-term oxygen therapy, cor pulmonale

Remember: 24% or 28% Venturi masks for CO₂ retainers

Pneumonia

CURB-65 score, typical vs atypical pathogens, post-viral infection patterns

Consolidate bacterial vs viral radiological findings

Pulmonary Embolism

Wells score, D-dimer, anticoagulant choice

Use NICE NG158 algorithm for PE suspicion

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

HRCT patterns, connective tissue links, fibrosis management

Contrast IPF (UIP) vs NSIP (non-specific interstitial pneumonitis)

Each of these areas is a repeat offender in recent MRCP exams, as shown in analyses from MRCP(UK) and revision trends across leading QBanks.


Medical student’s desk with respiratory notes and two-week MRCP Part 1 revision planner.

14-day revision roadmap

The following table summarises a two-week action plan optimised for balance between active recall, mock exposure, and fatigue prevention.

Day

Focus

Study Method

Output Goal

1–2

Asthma

Read BTS/SIGN guidelines, solve 30 MCQs

Identify therapy ladder gaps

3–4

COPD

Watch lecture summary, review O₂ therapy

Score 80%+ in COPD QBank

5–6

Pneumonia

Revise pathogens, chest X-ray cases

Know when to use CURB-65

7–8

PE & DVT

Learn Wells score, NICE NG158 flowchart

Master “when not to do D-dimer”

9–10

ILD & Sarcoidosis

Study HRCT images, link with CTDs

Recognise UIP vs NSIP

11–12

Mixed Review

Attempt 100 mixed respiratory questions

Reinforce cross-topic recall

13

Full mock test

Start a mock test under timed conditions

Complete 125 Qs in 3 hours

14

Light revision

Flashcards + summaries

No new topics; rest & sleep

🩺 Note: You can supplement this plan with our Free MRCP MCQs for structured daily revision and analytics that highlight your weak zones in real time.

Clinical mini-case example

Case: A 58-year-old man with a history of COPD presents with increasing breathlessness. ABG shows pH 7.29, PaCO₂ 8.7 kPa, PaO₂ 6.8 kPa on 28% Venturi mask.

Question: What is the next best step in management? A. 100% oxygenB. IV hydrocortisoneC. Non-invasive ventilationD. Intubation

✅ Answer: C. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV)

Rationale: In type 2 respiratory failure, excessive oxygen can worsen CO₂ retention due to the Haldane effect. NIV supports alveolar ventilation and corrects acidosis. Early escalation is essential before intubation. (References: NICE COPD guideline NG115, GOLD 2024 Report)


Common pitfalls (and how to fix them)

  1. Neglecting ABG practice: Spend 10 minutes daily on ABG pattern drills.

  2. Skipping mixed-type questions: Many stem from combined metabolic and respiratory disorders.

  3. Forgetting radiology patterns: Memorise ILD and pneumonia CXR examples from official Radiopaedia.

  4. Cramming guidelines: Focus only on stepwise sequences and red-flag thresholds.

  5. Leaving mocks for last: Begin mock simulations by Day 5, not the night before.


Study-tip checklist for the last 2 weeks

  1. Attempt 80–100 MCQs/day (split into 2–3 sessions).

  2. Re-attempt incorrect questions within 48 hours (spaced repetition).

  3. Use flashcards for treatments and investigations, not reading notes.

  4. Watch 1 short Respiratory lecture daily instead of reading full chapters.

  5. Track performance analytics in your Crack Medicine dashboard.

  6. Review ABGs and CXRs daily—they’re nearly guaranteed question formats.

  7. Sleep and hydration are part of preparation; avoid cognitive fatigue.


Exam-day strategy

  • Before the paper: Skim “Drug of Choice” lists and key spirometry graphs.

  • During exam: Flag unsure questions early; revisit in the final 30 minutes.

  • Mindset: Trust your first instinct if you understand the question stem clearly—data shows accuracy drops with overthinking.

  • Last-night prep: Revise ABG interpretation, common X-rays, and major treatment ladders only.


FAQs

1. How many respiratory questions appear in MRCP Part 1?

Typically 25–35 questions per paper, covering both clinical and physiological aspects.

2. Should I study respiratory physiology in detail?

Yes—expect ABG, lung compliance, and ventilation–perfusion matching questions (see our blog Respiratory Physiology & Pathophysiology: What MRCP Part 1 Expects).

3. What’s the best use of Crack Medicine’s QBank in the final two weeks?

Use topic filters to target respiratory questions, then review explanations for each incorrect response.

4. How should I review guidelines efficiently?

Focus on summary tables from BTS/SIGN and NICE, not full text. These are the basis for MRCP-level management questions.

5. Are rare lung diseases like LAM worth revising now?

No. Prioritise common conditions like COPD, PE, and ILD; revisit niche ones only if you have extra time.


Ready to start?

The last two weeks can define your MRCP Part 1 outcome. Use Crack Medicine’s Free MRCP MCQs, take a mock test, and review your respiratory performance analytics to reinforce weak areas. Visit the MRCP Part 1 overview to access lecture packs, smart flashcards, and new monthly mock updates.


Sources

  1. MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination Information

  2. British Thoracic Society Asthma Guideline 2024

  3. NICE NG115: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

  4. GOLD 2024 Report: COPD Management

  5. Radiopaedia: Respiratory Imaging Cases

 
 
 

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