Screening: 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 · Screening

Sample item

Which screening test property is most important for ruling out disease when negative?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. High sensitivity

This Screening item is resolved by the defining principle: High sensitivity best matches the stated finding or public-health measure.

Option by option

  • A. High specificity

    High specificity is not the best fit because it does not establish the requested screening conclusion.

  • B. High positive predictive value

    High positive predictive value may be relevant elsewhere, but it conflicts with the central fact given here.

  • C. High likelihood ratio positive only

    High likelihood ratio positive only does not explain the finding or provide the indicated intervention.

  • D. High sensitivity (correct)

    Correct. High sensitivity directly addresses the key clue in this scenario.

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 D, High sensitivity. This Screening item is resolved by the defining principle: High sensitivity best matches the stated finding or public-health measure.

Why is "High specificity" not the answer?

High specificity is not the best fit because it does not establish the requested screening conclusion.

Why is "High positive predictive value" not the answer?

High positive predictive value may be relevant elsewhere, but it conflicts with the central fact given here.

Why is "High likelihood ratio positive only" not the answer?

High likelihood ratio positive only does not explain the finding or provide the indicated intervention.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Screening in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct. High sensitivity 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 Screening?

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.