Epidemiology: 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 · Epidemiology

Sample item

What measure includes all existing cases in a population?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Prevalence

This Epidemiology item is resolved by the defining principle: Prevalence best matches the stated finding or public-health measure.

Option by option

  • A. Prevalence (correct)

    Correct. Prevalence directly addresses the key clue in this scenario.

  • B. Attack rate only

    Attack rate only may be relevant elsewhere, but it conflicts with the central fact given here.

  • C. Incidence

    Incidence is not the best fit because it does not establish the requested epidemiology conclusion.

  • D. Secondary attack rate

    Secondary attack rate does not explain the finding or provide the indicated intervention.

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.

More PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is A, Prevalence. This Epidemiology item is resolved by the defining principle: Prevalence best matches the stated finding or public-health measure.

Why is "Attack rate only" not the answer?

Attack rate only may be relevant elsewhere, but it conflicts with the central fact given here.

Why is "Incidence" not the answer?

Incidence is not the best fit because it does not establish the requested epidemiology conclusion.

Why is "Secondary attack rate" not the answer?

Secondary attack rate does not explain the finding or provide the indicated intervention.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct. Prevalence directly addresses the key clue in this scenario.

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 Epidemiology?

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.