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.

Try it

PSM · Epidemiology

Sample item

What measure describes the proportion of a population with disease at a given time?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Point prevalence

The defining Epidemiology principle supports Point prevalence; it directly accounts for the forensic observation, evidence requirement, or public-health measure in the question.

Option by option

  • A. Case fatality ratio

    Case fatality ratio may be useful elsewhere but is not the best answer here.

  • B. Point prevalence (correct)

    Correct. Point prevalence best fits the important clue in this sample.

  • C. Odds ratio

    Odds ratio is not consistent with the finding or appropriate action described.

  • D. Incidence rate

    Incidence rate does not establish the requested epidemiology conclusion.

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 B, Point prevalence. The defining Epidemiology principle supports Point prevalence; it directly accounts for the forensic observation, evidence requirement, or public-health measure in the question.

Why is "Case fatality ratio" not the answer?

Case fatality ratio may be useful elsewhere but is not the best answer here.

Why is "Odds ratio" not the answer?

Odds ratio is not consistent with the finding or appropriate action described.

Why is "Incidence rate" not the answer?

Incidence rate does not establish the requested epidemiology conclusion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct. Point prevalence best fits the important clue in this sample.

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.