Spine: practice question

A Orthopaedics 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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Orthopaedics · Spine

Sample item

What is a red-flag symptom in suspected cauda equina syndrome?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Urinary retention with saddle numbness

The key Spine principle supports Urinary retention with saddle numbness; this answer most directly accounts for the clinical finding, investigation, or initial management described.

Option by option

  • A. Urinary retention with saddle numbness (correct)

    Correct. Urinary retention with saddle numbness is the best response to the defining feature given.

  • B. Itchy scalp

    Itchy scalp does not explain the condition or address the appropriate priority.

  • C. Isolated hiccups

    Isolated hiccups may apply in another setting but is not the best answer here.

  • D. Mild muscle ache

    Mild muscle ache is not supported by the important spine 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 Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is A, Urinary retention with saddle numbness. The key Spine principle supports Urinary retention with saddle numbness; this answer most directly accounts for the clinical finding, investigation, or initial management described.

Why is "Itchy scalp" not the answer?

Itchy scalp does not explain the condition or address the appropriate priority.

Why is "Isolated hiccups" not the answer?

Isolated hiccups may apply in another setting but is not the best answer here.

Why is "Mild muscle ache" not the answer?

Mild muscle ache is not supported by the important spine clue.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Spine in Orthopaedics. The correct option holds because: Correct. Urinary retention with saddle numbness is the best response to the defining feature given.

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 Spine?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics 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.