Communicable disease: 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 · Communicable disease

Sample item

What is the first step in investigating a suspected outbreak?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Verify diagnosis and outbreak

Outbreak investigation begins by verifying that the diagnosis and apparent increase are real before defining cases, describing data, and implementing controls.

Option by option

  • A. Close all clinics

    Closing all clinics is not an initial evidence-based step.

  • B. Publish final report

    Final reports follow investigation and response.

  • C. Verify diagnosis and outbreak (correct)

    Correct: verification prevents misdirected outbreak response.

  • D. Vaccinate without assessment

    Vaccination decisions should follow assessment and applicable guidance.

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 C, Verify diagnosis and outbreak. Outbreak investigation begins by verifying that the diagnosis and apparent increase are real before defining cases, describing data, and implementing controls.

Why is "Close all clinics" not the answer?

Closing all clinics is not an initial evidence-based step.

Why is "Publish final report" not the answer?

Final reports follow investigation and response.

Why is "Vaccinate without assessment" not the answer?

Vaccination decisions should follow assessment and applicable guidance.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Communicable disease in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: verification prevents misdirected outbreak response.

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 Communicable disease?

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.