Levels of prevention: 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 · Levels of prevention

Sample item

What is the central aim of tertiary prevention?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Reduce disability and improve function after established disease

Tertiary prevention minimizes disability, improves function, and supports social participation after established illness through rehabilitation, complication prevention, assistive devices, and long-term care.

Option by option

  • A. Prevent exposure before disease begins

    Preventing initial exposure is primary prevention.

  • B. Reduce disability and improve function after established disease (correct)

    Correct: tertiary prevention reduces disability from established disease.

  • C. Count only new cases

    New cases are counted by incidence.

  • D. Measure test sensitivity

    Sensitivity is a test-performance measure.

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, Reduce disability and improve function after established disease. Tertiary prevention minimizes disability, improves function, and supports social participation after established illness through rehabilitation, complication prevention, assistive devices, and long-term care.

Why is "Prevent exposure before disease begins" not the answer?

Preventing initial exposure is primary prevention.

Why is "Count only new cases" not the answer?

New cases are counted by incidence.

Why is "Measure test sensitivity" not the answer?

Sensitivity is a test-performance measure.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Levels of prevention in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: tertiary prevention reduces disability from established disease.

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 Levels of prevention?

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.