Communicable diseases: BCG vaccination: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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PSM · Communicable diseases: BCG vaccination

Sample item

The BCG vaccine in the national schedule is given:

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Intradermally in the left upper arm at birth

BCG is a live attenuated vaccine given intradermally in the left upper arm at birth or at first contact, up to one year. A small papule develops within a few weeks, leaving a scar.

Option by option

  • A. Intradermally in the left upper arm at birth (correct)

    Correct. BCG is an intradermal dose at birth in the left upper arm.

  • B. Subcutaneously in the thigh at 6 weeks

    Subcutaneous route is used for MR and IPV is given intradermally or intramuscularly.

  • C. Orally at 9 months

    BCG is not oral.

  • D. Intramuscularly in the buttock at birth

    Intramuscular gluteal injections are not recommended in infants.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is A, Intradermally in the left upper arm at birth. BCG is a live attenuated vaccine given intradermally in the left upper arm at birth or at first contact, up to one year.

Why is "Subcutaneously in the thigh at 6 weeks" not the answer?

Subcutaneous route is used for MR and IPV is given intradermally or intramuscularly.

Why is "Orally at 9 months" not the answer?

BCG is not oral.

Why is "Intramuscularly in the buttock at birth" not the answer?

Intramuscular gluteal injections are not recommended in infants.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Communicable diseases: BCG vaccination in PSM. A small papule develops within a few weeks, leaving a scar.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Communicable diseases: BCG vaccination?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.