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 counts new cases occurring over a period?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Incidence

Incidence measures newly occurring cases in a population at risk over time and is useful for studying disease occurrence and causal risk factors.

Option by option

  • A. Prevalence

    Prevalence includes both old and new existing cases.

  • B. Incidence (correct)

    Correct: incidence counts new cases over time.

  • C. Median

    Median is a measure of central tendency.

  • D. Case fatality ratio

    Case fatality ratio measures deaths among diagnosed cases.

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, Incidence. Incidence measures newly occurring cases in a population at risk over time and is useful for studying disease occurrence and causal risk factors.

Why is "Prevalence" not the answer?

Prevalence includes both old and new existing cases.

Why is "Median" not the answer?

Median is a measure of central tendency.

Why is "Case fatality ratio" not the answer?

Case fatality ratio measures deaths among diagnosed cases.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: incidence counts new cases over time.

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.