Mental state examination: practice question

A Psychiatry 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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Psychiatry · Mental state examination

Sample item

What term describes the observable expression of emotion?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Affect

The defining Mental state examination feature supports Affect; this conclusion most directly matches the clinical presentation and the usual principle being assessed.

Option by option

  • A. Orientation

    Orientation is inconsistent with the priority or diagnosis described.

  • B. Perception

    Perception may be relevant in another setting but is not the best answer here.

  • C. Affect (correct)

    Correct. Affect is supported by the key finding in this scenario.

  • D. Mood

    Mood does not fit the central mental state examination clue.

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 Psychiatry questions

Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is C, Affect. The defining Mental state examination feature supports Affect; this conclusion most directly matches the clinical presentation and the usual principle being assessed.

Why is "Orientation" not the answer?

Orientation is inconsistent with the priority or diagnosis described.

Why is "Perception" not the answer?

Perception may be relevant in another setting but is not the best answer here.

Why is "Mood" not the answer?

Mood does not fit the central mental state examination clue.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mental state examination in Psychiatry. The correct option holds because: Correct. Affect is supported by the key finding 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 Mental state examination?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry 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.